Alleys and driveways Coming out, everyone goes first
The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph. Coming out of an alley or a driveway, yield to everyone: first to people walking on the sidewalk you cross, then to all traffic on the street that is close enough to be a hazard.
CVC 22352(a)(3) (15 mph) · CVC 21952 (sidewalk) · CVC 21804(a) (entering the street) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Alleys"Who has the right-of-way when you pull out of a driveway?
Everyone else: first people on the sidewalk, then traffic on the street (CVC 21952, 21804(a)). Pull out only when it is safe.
Why this rule exists
An alley is narrow, and walls and fences hide the sidewalk until you are almost on it. The people there, and the drivers on the street, do not expect a car to come out.
Step by step on the road
- In an alley, keep to 15 mph or less.
- Roll up to the sidewalk at walking speed, ready to stop, and look both ways along it.
- Let anyone walking on the sidewalk pass before you drive over it.
- Move up to the edge of the street and look both ways again.
- Yield to all traffic on the street that is close enough to be a hazard, and keep yielding until you can go safely.
Common mistakes
- Driving across the sidewalk without looking for people walking.
- Pulling out because the car on the street comes from your left: from a driveway or an alley, every vehicle on the street that is close goes first.
- Driving faster than 15 mph in an alley.
Questions people ask
What is the speed limit in an alley in California?
15 mph (CVC 22352(a)(3)).
What counts as an alley in California?
Any road no wider than 25 feet that is used to reach the rear or side entrances of buildings or properties (Handbook, "Alleys").
Can you drive across a sidewalk in California?
Only to enter or leave a driveway or an alley, and first you yield to any pedestrian on the sidewalk (Handbook; CVC 21952).
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
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