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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 5§ 21961 Pedestrian Crossing Enforcement Limits

§ 21961 Pedestrian Crossing Enforcement Limits

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

§ 21961 Pedestrian Crossing Enforcement Limits

This law says cities can make rules about where people can cross the street, but cops can't stop someone for breaking those rules unless it's really dangerous.

Key Takeaways

  • •Cities can make their own rules about where you can cross the street.
  • •Cops can only stop you for breaking these rules if it's super dangerous, like you might get hit by a car.
  • •Even with these rules, people walking and drivers still have to be careful.

Example

A person crosses the street outside of a crosswalk where it's not allowed.

A cop can only stop them if it looks like they might get hit by a car or bike right then. Otherwise, the cop can't do anything.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21961 Pedestrian Crossing Enforcement Limits

(a) This chapter does not prevent local authorities from adopting ordinances prohibiting pedestrians from crossing roadways at other than crosswalks. (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) 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. 13. (AB 2147) Effective January 1, 2023.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

local authoritiesordinancescrosswalkspeace officerimmediate danger of a collisiondue care

Related Statutes

  • § 21954 Pedestrian Right Of Way Rules
  • § 21966 Pedestrian Bicycle Path Restrictions
  • § 21955 Pedestrian Crossing Restrictions
  • § 21956 Pedestrian Roadway Walking Rules
  • § 21953 Pedestrian Crossing Rules Near Tunnels

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 21961.
View Official Source