Crosswalks Marked and unmarked
Yield to pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection: every corner has one, painted or not. Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk.
CVC 21950(a) · CVC 275 (crosswalk) · CVC 21951 · CA Driver's Handbook, "Pedestrians"
Do you have to stop for pedestrians at an unmarked crosswalk in California?
Yes. Yield to a pedestrian crossing in any marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection (CVC 21950(a)).
Why this rule exists
A car that has stopped hides whoever is crossing in front of it. Passing it is how pedestrians get hit in the next lane.
Step by step on the road
- At every corner, expect a crosswalk, painted or not: the sidewalks continue across the street.
- Look at the ends of the sidewalks, not only at the road.
- If someone is crossing, stop before the crosswalk, at the limit line if there is one, so they have the whole width.
- Wait until they are safely across before you go.
- If a car beside you has stopped at a crosswalk, stop too, and never pass it (CVC 21951).
Common mistakes
- Thinking there is no crosswalk because no lines are painted.
- Passing a car that has stopped at a crosswalk.
- Honking at a pedestrian instead of stopping.
On the DMV drive test
DL 955 says a traffic check is the observation of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and the proper reaction to it, and the examiner watches it in every action. The DL 32 sheet marks a yield at each intersection and turn. When you stop, the front of the car must not be over the limit line or beyond the sidewalk. Any action that makes a pedestrian take evasive action is a critical driving error.
Based on the DMV’s Driving Test Criteria (DL 955) and its score sheet (DL 32). How the drive test works ›Questions people ask
What is an unmarked crosswalk?
The part of the road where the sidewalks meet at a corner, continued across the street, whether or not it has lines (CVC 275). Every ordinary corner has one.
Can you pass a car that is stopped at a crosswalk?
No. Do not overtake and pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross (CVC 21951). You may not see the person in front of it.
Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way in California?
In a marked or unmarked crosswalk, yes (CVC 21950(a)). Pedestrians must not suddenly step out in front of a car that is too close to stop (21950(b)), but you still drive with care near them (21950(c)).
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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