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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 5§ 21950 Pedestrian Right-Of-Way Rules

§ 21950 Pedestrian Right-Of-Way Rules

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21950 Pedestrian Right-Of-Way Rules

This law says drivers must stop for people walking in crosswalks, and walkers must be careful not to run into traffic. Both have to look out for each other.

Key Takeaways

  • •Drivers must stop for people in crosswalks.
  • •Walkers can't just run into the street—they have to be careful too.
  • •Even if the walker is being careless, drivers still have to try to avoid hitting them.
  • •Police can only stop walkers if they're being really reckless, like almost causing a crash.

Example

You're driving and see someone walking across the street in a crosswalk.

You have to slow down or stop to let them cross safely. If the person suddenly runs into the street right in front of you, they can get in trouble too.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21950 Pedestrian Right-Of-Way Rules

(a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. (b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety. No pedestrian may 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. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. (c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian. (d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. (e) (1) A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, shall not stop a pedestrian for a violation of this section unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision with a moving vehicle or other device moving exclusively by human power. (2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety. (3) This subdivision does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within the roadway. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 957, Sec. 8. (AB 2147) Effective January 1, 2023.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

right-of-waymarked crosswalkunmarked crosswalkdue

Related Statutes

  • § 21951 Pedestrian Crosswalk Passing Rule
  • § 21954 Pedestrian Right Of Way Rules
  • § 21950.5 Crosswalk Removal Public Notice
  • § 21963 Blind Pedestrian Right-Of-Way
  • § 10900 Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 21950.
View Official Source