CVC 21950: Rights and Duties of Pedestrians.

California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21950 pertains to the rights and duties of pedestrians on roadways. It outlines the rules and regulations that govern pedestrian behavior and the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians to ensure safety on California roadways. Here's an explanation of CVC 21950:

CVC 21950 - Rights and Duties of Pedestrians:

1. General Right of Way (Subsection (a)):

   • Subsection (a) of CVC 21950 establishes the general right of way for pedestrians. It states that pedestrians have the right of way in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections, whether controlled by traffic signals or stop signs, as long as it is safe to do so.

2. Duty to Yield (Subsection (b)):

   • Subsection (b) emphasizes that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians who are within a crosswalk or at an intersection when the pedestrian is facing a green traffic signal or a green arrow signal. Drivers must wait for the pedestrian to safely complete their crossing before proceeding.

3. Duty to Exercise Due Care (Subsection (c)):

   • Subsection (c) highlights that pedestrians must also exercise due care for their safety. They should not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.

4. Duty to Yield When Not in Crosswalks (Subsection (d)):

   • Subsection (d) outlines the duties of pedestrians when they are not within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. In such situations, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway unless the vehicle is an immediate hazard.

5. Penalties for Violation (Subsection (e)):

   • Violating CVC 21950 by failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks, or by not exercising due care as a pedestrian, can result in traffic citations, fines, and potential legal consequences.