Section § 21949

Explanation

This law states that California wants to ensure safe and easy pedestrian travel for everyone, whether they're walking, using a wheelchair, a walker, or a stroller. It emphasizes making streets and highways safe for pedestrians and encourages more walking by reducing pedestrian accidents and injuries.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21949(a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that it is the policy of the State of California that safe and convenient pedestrian travel and access, whether by foot, wheelchair, walker, or stroller, be provided to the residents of the state.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21949(b) In accordance with the policy declared under subdivision (a), it is the intent of the Legislature that all levels of government in the state, particularly the Department of Transportation, work to provide convenient and safe passage for pedestrians on and across all streets and highways, increase levels of walking and pedestrian travel, and reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries.

Section § 21949.5

Explanation

This law requires the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol to work with the University of California's Institute of Transportation Studies to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2028. The report should focus on pedestrian-related traffic accidents and how changes in the law have affected pedestrian safety. It's also important that this report follows specific government reporting rules. This statute will no longer be in effect after January 1, 2032.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21949.5(a) On or before January 1, 2028, the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol, in consultation with the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, shall submit a report to the Legislature regarding statewide pedestrian-related traffic crash data and any associated impacts to traffic safety, including an evaluation of whether and how the changes made to this chapter and Article 3 (commencing with Section 21450) of Chapter 2 by the act that added this section have impacted pedestrian safety.
(b)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21949.5(b)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21949.5(b)(1) A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 21949.5(b)(2) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section is repealed on January 1, 2032.

Section § 21950

Explanation

Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks unless stated otherwise. Pedestrians can't suddenly step into traffic or unnecessarily delay it while crossing. Both drivers and pedestrians must be careful to ensure safety. Drivers need to slow down or take necessary precautions when nearing pedestrians at crosswalks. Police officers can't stop pedestrians for minor violations unless there is an immediate danger of collision, but pedestrians still need to stay cautious. Drivers also have a continuing duty to be careful around pedestrians.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21950(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)CA Vehicle Code § 21950(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)CA Vehicle Code § 21950(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)CA Vehicle Code § 21950(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)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21950(e)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21950(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)CA Vehicle Code § 21950(e)(2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 21950(e)(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.

Section § 21950.5

Explanation

This law says that a marked crosswalk cannot be taken away without giving the public at least 30 days' notice and a chance to share their thoughts. The notice must be posted at the crosswalk that's planned for removal and should tell people how they can give their input about the removal.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21950.5(a) An existing marked crosswalk may not be removed unless notice and opportunity to be heard is provided to the public not less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date of removal. In addition to any other public notice requirements, the notice of proposed removal shall be posted at the crosswalk identified for removal.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21950.5(b) The notice required by subdivision (a) shall include, but is not limited to, notification to the public of both of the following:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 21950.5(b)(1) That the public may provide input relating to the scheduled removal.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 21950.5(b)(2) The form and method of providing the input authorized by paragraph (1).

Section § 21951

Explanation

If a car has stopped at a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, to let a pedestrian cross, other drivers coming from behind must not pass that stopped car.

Whenever any vehicle has stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

Section § 21952

Explanation

If you're driving a car and need to cross a sidewalk, you must let pedestrians go first. This means stopping and allowing anyone walking on the sidewalk to safely pass before you drive over it.

The driver of any motor vehicle, prior to driving over or upon any sidewalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian approaching thereon.

Section § 21953

Explanation

If a pedestrian is crossing a street not at a designated tunnel or overhead crossing where such crossing is available, they must let vehicles go first if they're close enough to be a danger.

It's okay to have a crosswalk even in places where there are pedestrian tunnels or overhead crossings.

Police can only cite a pedestrian for not using the tunnel or crossing if it’s clear there’s a real risk of being hit. Pedestrians still need to be careful for their safety, and drivers must watch out for pedestrians.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21953(a) Whenever any pedestrian crosses a roadway other than by means of a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing, if a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing serves the place where the pedestrian is crossing the roadway, such pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the highway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21953(b) This section shall not be construed to mean that a marked crosswalk, with or without a signal device, cannot be installed where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing exists.
(c)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21953(c)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21953(c)(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 subdivision (a) 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)CA Vehicle Code § 21953(c)(2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 21953(c)(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.

Section § 21954

Explanation

If you're walking on the road and not using a crosswalk, you have to let vehicles go first to avoid direct danger. However, drivers must also keep an eye out for pedestrians and ensure their safety. Police officers can only stop you for not yielding to cars if there's an immediate risk of a crash.

Everyone, both pedestrians and drivers, must be careful and attentive to avoid accidents.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21954(a) Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21954(b) The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway.
(c)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21954(c)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21954(c)(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 subdivision (a) 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)CA Vehicle Code § 21954(c)(2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 21954(c)(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.

Section § 21955

Explanation

This law states that pedestrians should only cross roads at crosswalks if they are between intersections with traffic signals or police control. Police can't stop a pedestrian for crossing outside a crosswalk unless there's an obvious danger of them being hit by a vehicle or something human-powered like a bicycle. Pedestrians still need to be careful for their own safety, and drivers must also be cautious to avoid hitting pedestrians on the road.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21955(a) Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk.
(b)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21955(b)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21955(b)(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 subdivision (a) 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)CA Vehicle Code § 21955(b)(2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 21955(b)(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.

Section § 21956

Explanation

This law outlines rules for pedestrians walking on roadways in non-business or residence areas. Pedestrians should walk close to the left-hand edge of the road unless there is no safe way to cross or traffic makes it unsafe, in which case they can walk on the right-hand side. Police officers shouldn't stop pedestrians for violations of these walking rules unless there's a clear risk of a collision. Both pedestrians and drivers are reminded to exercise caution and care to ensure safety.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21956(a) A pedestrian shall not walk upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to the pedestrian’s left-hand edge of the roadway.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21956(b) A pedestrian may walk close to their right-hand edge of the roadway if a crosswalk or other means of safely crossing the roadway is not available or if existing traffic or other conditions would compromise the safety of a pedestrian attempting to cross the road.
(c)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21956(c)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21956(c)(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)CA Vehicle Code § 21956(c)(2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 21956(c)(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.

Section § 21957

Explanation

In California, it's illegal for anyone to stand on a road to ask for a ride from passing drivers. This means hitchhiking from the roadway is not allowed.

No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any vehicle.

Section § 21959

Explanation

This law makes it illegal for anyone to ski or use a toboggan on a road if it disrupts vehicle traffic. However, if a person is skiing at a slow pace, similar to walking, they are treated like a pedestrian and have the same rights and responsibilities as someone walking on the street.

It is unlawful for any person to ski or toboggan on or across any roadway in such a manner as to interfere with the movement of vehicles thereon. A person on skis proceeding on or across a highway at a pace no greater than a walk is not within the prohibition of this section and shall be considered to be a pedestrian with all the rights and duties thereof as prescribed in this code.

Section § 21960

Explanation

This section allows the Department of Transportation and local authorities to prohibit or restrict pedestrians, bicycles, and certain motorized cycles from using freeways and expressways. If these restrictions are in place, signs must be posted to inform the public. However, individuals from a disabled car can walk to the nearest exit to seek assistance. If a county wants to set these restrictions on a freeway within a city, the city must approve the ordinance. Additionally, any new ordinance stopping pedestrian access after 2005 needs to be justified by proving that walking there is unsafe because there are no pedestrian facilities.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21960(a) The Department of Transportation and local authorities, by order, ordinance, or resolution, with respect to freeways, expressways, or designated portions thereof under their respective jurisdictions, to which vehicle access is completely or partially controlled, may prohibit or restrict the use of the freeways, expressways, or any portion thereof by pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motor-driven cycle, motorized bicycle, motorized scooter, or electrically motorized board. A prohibition or restriction pertaining to bicycles, motor-driven cycles, motorized scooters, or electrically motorized boards shall be deemed to include motorized bicycles. A person shall not operate a motorized bicycle wherever that prohibition or restriction is in force. Notwithstanding any order, ordinance, or resolution to the contrary, the driver or passengers of a disabled vehicle stopped on a freeway or expressway may walk to the nearest exit, in either direction, on that side of the freeway or expressway upon which the vehicle is disabled, from which telephone or motor vehicle repair services are available.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21960(b) The prohibitory regulation authorized by subdivision (a) shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon any freeway or expressway and the approaches thereto. If any portion of a county freeway or expressway is contained within the limits of a city within the county, the county may erect signs on that portion as required under this subdivision if the ordinance has been approved by the city pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1730 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 21960(c) No ordinance or resolution of local authorities shall apply to any state highway until the proposed ordinance or resolution has been presented to, and approved in writing by, the Department of Transportation.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 21960(d) An ordinance or resolution adopted under this section on or after January 1, 2005, to prohibit pedestrian access to a county freeway or expressway shall not be effective unless it is supported by a finding by the local authority that the freeway or expressway does not have pedestrian facilities and pedestrian use would pose a safety risk to the pedestrian.

Section § 21961

Explanation

This law allows local authorities in California to create rules preventing people from walking across streets outside of crosswalks. However, police officers can't stop someone for breaking one of these local rules unless it's clear that there's an immediate risk of hitting a moving vehicle or human-powered device. Despite these rules, pedestrians and drivers both still need to be careful and look out for each other's safety.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21961(a) This chapter does not prevent local authorities from adopting ordinances prohibiting pedestrians from crossing roadways at other than crosswalks.
(b)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21961(b)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21961(b)(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 an ordinance adopted by a local authority pursuant to 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)CA Vehicle Code § 21961(b)(2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 21961(b)(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.

Section § 21962

Explanation

This law says that if a police officer reasonably thinks a pedestrian is on a bridge or overpass intending to throw things at vehicles, as prohibited by another law, they can legally tell that person to leave the area.

Any peace officer having reasonable cause to believe that any pedestrian is stopped or standing on any bridge or overpass for the purpose of violating Section 23110, may lawfully order such person from the bridge or overpass.

Section § 21963

Explanation

If a blind pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog is crossing the road, drivers must stop and let them pass safely. Failing to do so can result in a misdemeanor charge, up to six months in jail, and a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000. This law does not prevent other charges if applicable.

A totally or partially blind pedestrian who is carrying a predominantly white cane (with or without a red tip), or using a guide dog, shall have the right-of-way, and the driver of any vehicle approaching this pedestrian, who fails to yield the right-of-way, or to take all reasonably necessary precautions to avoid injury to this blind pedestrian, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. This section shall not preclude prosecution under any other applicable provision of law.

Section § 21964

Explanation

This law states that only people who are totally or partially blind are allowed to carry or use a predominantly white cane, whether it has a red tip or not, in public places like highways and public buildings.

No person, other than those totally or partially blind, shall carry or use on any highway or in any public building, public facility, or other public place, a predominantly white cane (with or without a red tip).

Section § 21965

Explanation

This law defines what it means to be 'blind,' 'totally blind,' and 'partially blind' for specific sections. It states that blindness involves a central visual acuity of no more than 20/200 in the better eye, even with glasses, or having a very limited field of vision of no more than 20 degrees.

As used in Sections 21963 and 21964, “blind,” “totally blind,” and “partially blind,” mean having central visual acuity not to exceed 20/200 in the better eye, with corrected lenses, as measured by the Snellen test, or visual acuity greater than 20/200, but with a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle not greater than 20 degrees.

Section § 21966

Explanation

This law states that pedestrians should not walk along a bike path if there is a nearby pedestrian walkway available. However, a police officer can only stop a pedestrian for being on the bike path if it's clear there's an immediate risk of a crash with something moving. Even so, pedestrians are expected to be careful for their safety, and cyclists must also be cautious to ensure pedestrian safety on the road.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21966(a) A pedestrian shall not proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility.
(b)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21966(b)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 21966(b)(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 subdivision (a) 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)CA Vehicle Code § 21966(b)(2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 21966(b)(3) This subdivision does not relieve a bicyclist from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within the roadway.

Section § 21967

Explanation

This law allows local governments to create rules that can stop or limit people from using skateboards or electric boards on streets, sidewalks, or roads. They must do this through an official ordinance or resolution.

Except as provided in Section 21968, a local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution prohibiting or restricting persons from riding or propelling skateboards, or electrically motorized boards, on highways, sidewalks, or roadways.

Section § 21968

Explanation

This law states that you cannot ride a motorized skateboard on sidewalks, roads, highways, bike paths, or any kind of trail. However, it makes clear that an electrically motorized board, as defined by another section, is not considered a motorized skateboard under this law.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21968(a) A motorized skateboard shall not be propelled on any sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21968(b) For purposes of this section, an electrically motorized board, as defined in Section 313.5, is not a motorized skateboard.

Section § 21969

Explanation

This law allows local governments to create their own rules for people roller skating on highways, sidewalks, or roads. They can do this by passing a local ordinance.

A local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance regulating persons engaged in roller skating on a highway, sidewalk, or roadway.

Section § 21970

Explanation

This law makes it illegal to stop a vehicle in a way that blocks crosswalks or sidewalks, whether they are marked or unmarked. However, it allows drivers to make certain turns at a red light, such as turning right or turning left from a one-way street to another one-way street, following specific rules.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 21970(a) No person may stop a vehicle unnecessarily in a manner that causes the vehicle to block a marked or unmarked crosswalk or sidewalk.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 21970(b) Subdivision (a) does not preclude the driver of a vehicle facing a steady circular red light from turning right or turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 21453.

Section § 21971

Explanation

If a driver breaks specific traffic rules related to traffic signals and pedestrian right-of-way, and this results in someone other than the driver getting hurt, they have committed a minor legal offense called an infraction. The punishment for this is outlined in another section.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who violates subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 21451, subdivision (b) of Section 21453, subdivision (a) of Section 21950, or Section 21952, and causes the bodily injury of anyone other than the driver is guilty of an infraction punishable under Section 42001.18.