California Vehicle Code 21950(a) requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any marked crosswalk or any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. California law protects pedestrians in both painted crosswalks and the implied crosswalks at every intersection corner, whether marked or not. Failure to yield carries 1 DMV point and a base fine of $196, though courts and enforcement agencies take pedestrian safety violations seriously.
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 his or her 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.
Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 461, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2017.
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
Violation Range
Est. Total with Assessments
Notes
Failure to yield to pedestrian
~$490
Standard 1-point moving violation; totals include assessments.
The base fine of $196 applies to a standard VC 21950(a) infraction. After California's mandatory penalty assessments, the total typically reaches approximately $490. Exact amounts vary by county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
An unmarked crosswalk is the implied pedestrian crossing at any intersection where two roads meet at a right angle, even if no white lines are painted on the pavement. California law gives pedestrians the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must yield at any intersection corner where a pedestrian is crossing, not just at painted crosswalks.
Yes. A conviction adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record for 36 months from the violation date.
The base fine is $196. After California's mandatory penalty assessments, the total typically reaches approximately $490. The exact amount varies by county.
Yes. Possible defenses include arguing the pedestrian suddenly entered the roadway creating an immediate hazard under VC 21950(b), that the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk, or challenging the officer's observation angle. A Trial by Written Declaration lets you contest without a court appearance.
Also frequently cited with
California drivers who receive this citation often have questions about these related violations.
