Walking in Los Angeles or San Francisco can be exciting. Shops endlessly crowd the street, offering plenty of sights to take in. But with so many distractions in high traffic areas, crossing the street can be dangerous. Knowing California pedestrian law helps you stay safe and prepared.
In this guide, you will learn the essentials. We explain the rules for pedestrians and drivers. We also cover pedestrian crossing signs and what to do after a crash.
California Pedestrian Law: Rules to Know Before You Cross
California uses several Vehicle Codes to protect people on foot. Learn these before you step off the curb.
- Vehicle Code 21954: When crossing outside a crosswalk, yield to any vehicle that poses an immediate danger.
- Vehicle Code 21955: Don’t cross between two controlled intersections. The Freedom to Walk Act (AB 2147) allows safe mid-block crossings without a citation. But using a marked crosswalk offers the safest choice.
- Vehicle Code 21956: If no sidewalk exists, walk on the left side of the road. Face on-coming traffic to better keep visibility.
Failure to follow these rules results in infractions, bringing fines of more than $100. Following California pedestrian law reduces preventable injuries and headaches.
California Laws for Drivers at Pedestrian Crossings
Drivers carry more responsibility around every pedestrian crossing. Even a small bump can seriously injure someone on foot.
- Vehicle Code 21950: Drivers must yield at both marked and unmarked intersections.
- Vehicle Code 21951: If a vehicle stops at a crosswalk for a pedestrian cross, drivers must wait.
- Vehicle Code 21952: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing over a sidewalk, such as when pulling into a driveway.
These rules sound simple, but they’re easy to forget at the moment. Stay mindful, for everyone’s safety.
What are the Penalties for Hitting a Pedestrian?
Depending on what the driver does after an accident, different penalties may apply.
- If the driver stays at the scene
Police may still find the driver at fault. In that case, they can be cited for a traffic violation, receive points on their license, and face higher insurance rates. - If the driver leaves the scene (hit-and-run)
Under Vehicle Code 20001, a hit-and-run involving injury can be charged as a felony, with fines starting at $1,000 and possible prison time of up to 4 years. - If the driver was under the influence
When alcohol or drugs are involved, penalties become even harsher, leading to felony charges, heavy fines, license suspension, and jail or prison time.
California pedestrian law makes it clear: drivers carry the greater responsibility when it comes to pedestrian safety. By following the law, drivers play a vital role in making every pedestrian crossing safer.
Important Pedestrian Crossing Signs You Should Know
Oftentimes, pedestrians and drivers glide right past these bright yellow signs, paying little to no attention to them. But they’re there for a reason. Here are the most important ones:
- Pedestrian Crossing (W11-2):
This yellow diamond-shaped sign tells drivers to slow down and watch for people crossing.
- School Crossing (S1-1):
Drivers often find this fluorescent yellow-green sign near schools. Usually, this sign is paired with reduced speed limits during school hours.
- Stop for Pedestrians (R1-6):
Not as common as the first two, but this white rectangular sign reminds drivers that they must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Advance Pedestrian Crossing Warning:
this signed painted on the road warns drivers of an upcoming pedestrian crossing.
- No Pedestrian Crossing (R9-3a):
This regulatory sign is often found near freeway ramps, construction zones, or high-speed roads, warning pedestrians it is not safe to cross there.
These pedestrian crossing signs are so often easy to overlook. But paying attention to these signs will keep you and others safe.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Gets Hit by a Car
Even when pedestrians and drivers follow the rules, accidents can still happen. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, knowing how to respond makes all the difference.
What Pedestrians Should Do
If you’re injured in an accident:
- Stay where you are. Avoid moving if you’re hurt.
- Call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for you.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver.
- Wait for police to arrive and file an official report.
If you’re unconscious or unable to act:
- Witnesses or bystanders usually call 911 and stay with you until help arrives.
- Emergency services will document the scene, gather information, and contact your family if needed.
- Police reports, medical records, and witness accounts will make sure the incident is officially recorded.
What Drivers Should Do
If you hit a pedestrian, remain calm and stay at the scene.
- Stop immediately and check if anyone is injured.
- Call 911 right away. Even if no injuries are visible, hidden trauma like whiplash or a concussion may still occur.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the pedestrian, or with authorities if the pedestrian is unconscious.
Drivers should never leave the scene. Doing so can lead to a hit-and-run charge. Know how to handle a hit-and-run if it happens.
California Pedestrian Law and Safer Streets
Pedestrian safety does not have to be complicated. By understanding California pedestrian law, recognizing pedestrian crossing signs, and knowing how to respond in an accident, both drivers and pedestrians can help prevent harm. Staying alert and following these simple steps makes the roads safer for everyone. And if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident and need legal guidance, speak with an experienced attorney to help you win your case.
