CVC 21955: Pedestrian Right-of-Way at Crosswalks

CVC 21955 is a section of the California Vehicle Code that outlines the rules and regulations regarding pedestrian right-of-way at crosswalks. This law governs the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians at crosswalks and is crucial for ensuring pedestrian safety.

Here are the key points of CVC 21955:

1. Pedestrian Right-of-Way: CVC 21955 establishes that pedestrians have the right-of-way when they are within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This means that drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the roadway at a crosswalk.

2. Yielding to Pedestrians: Drivers are required to come to a complete stop and remain stopped as long as pedestrians are in the crosswalk. This applies at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

3. Crosswalks at Intersections: Crosswalks are typically found at intersections, whether they are marked with painted lines or unmarked. In either case, the right-of-way rules for pedestrians still apply.

4. Pedestrians Outside Crosswalks: While pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks, they must exercise caution when crossing outside of marked or unmarked crosswalks. They should not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle that is so close it is impossible for the driver to yield.

5. Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrian signals, such as "Walk" and "Don't Walk" signals at intersections, must be obeyed by pedestrians. If a pedestrian signal displays "Don't Walk," pedestrians should not enter the crosswalk.

6. Intersection with Traffic Signals: At intersections controlled by traffic signals, pedestrians should generally obey the pedestrian signals. However, if there is no pedestrian signal, pedestrians should follow the rules for crosswalks outlined in CVC 21955.

Why CVC 21955 Matters:

CVC 21955 is significant for several reasons:

1. Pedestrian Safety: The law prioritizes pedestrian safety by giving pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks, ensuring that they can safely cross roadways.

2. Clarity and Order: CVC 21955 provides a clear legal framework for interactions between drivers and pedestrians at crosswalks, reducing confusion and promoting orderly traffic flow.

3. Legal Compliance: Adhering to CVC 21955 is a legal obligation. Violating these regulations can result in penalties, fines, and potential points on a driver's record.

4. Pedestrian Signals: The law reinforces the importance of obeying pedestrian signals, helping to prevent accidents and conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.

Penalties for Violation:

Penalties for violating CVC 21955 can vary depending on the specific circumstances and local jurisdiction. Common penalties may include fines, and more severe consequences can result if pedestrian safety is compromised due to a violation.