CVC 2815: Disobeying School Crossing Guard.

Disobeying a school crossing guard in California is taken seriously, as it involves the safety of children and pedestrians near school zones. The relevant California Vehicle Code (CVC) section that addresses disobeying a school crossing guard is CVC 2815. 

CVC 2815 - Disobeying School Crossing Guard:

  1. General Requirement (Subsection (a)):

    • CVC 2815 mandates that all drivers must obey the instructions and signals of a school crossing guard. A school crossing guard is a person appointed by local authorities or a school to assist pedestrians, particularly children, in safely crossing the road.
  2. Stopping When Directed (Subsection (b)):

    • When a school crossing guard signals or directs drivers to stop, all drivers must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the crossing guard signals them to proceed. This includes both stopping for pedestrians and stopping to allow children or pedestrians to clear the roadway.
  3. Yielding Right-of-Way (Subsection (c)):

    • Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians or children who are under the control of a school crossing guard. This means that if a crossing guard is escorting children across the road, drivers must wait until the crossing is complete before proceeding.
  4. Penalties for Violation (Subsection (d)):

    • Disobeying CVC 2815 by failing to obey a school crossing guard's instructions or signals can result in penalties, including fines and possible points on the driver's license.
  5. Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenses (Subsection (e)):

    • If a driver is convicted of violating CVC 2815 multiple times within a specific timeframe, the penalties may be enhanced, potentially resulting in higher fines and longer license suspensions.

It's important for all drivers to be aware of and obey the instructions of school crossing guards in school zones. The safety of children and pedestrians depends on drivers following these signals and stopping when directed. Violating this law not only carries legal consequences but also poses a significant safety risk, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic around schools.

Always exercise caution and patience when driving in school zones, and be prepared to stop when signaled by a school crossing guard to ensure the safety of everyone involved.