Do not block the intersection Room on the far side, also on green
Do not enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk, even on a green light, unless there is enough room for your car on the far side. Wait before it until there is.
CVC 22526(a), (b) (Anti-Gridlock Act of 1987) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Intersections"Can you enter an intersection on green if traffic is backed up?
No: even on green, wait unless there is room for your car on the far side (CVC 22526(a)). The same goes for a marked crosswalk.
Why this rule exists
If the light changes while you stand in the intersection, you block the cross traffic, and nobody moves. Waiting at the line keeps the intersection open.
Step by step on the road
- Before you cross the limit line, look past the intersection at the traffic on the far side.
- Check that there is a space for your whole car there.
- If there is not, stop behind the limit line and wait, also on a green light.
- Go once the cars ahead have moved and there is room to clear the intersection and the crosswalk.
- The same goes when you turn on a yellow light or a yellow arrow.
Common mistakes
- Following the car ahead into the intersection because the light is green.
- Creeping forward and stopping in the crosswalk.
- Getting stuck in the middle when the light changes, so the cross traffic cannot go.
On the DMV drive test
DL 955 lists blocking an intersection so that it impedes cross traffic as a dangerous maneuver, which is a critical driving error: one is enough to fail the test. When you stop behind another car, stop about half a car length back, where you can still see its rear wheels.
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 the Anti-Gridlock Act in California?
The Anti-Gridlock Act of 1987 is CVC 22526. Even on green, you may not enter an intersection or marked crosswalk unless there is room for your car on the other side.
Is it illegal to block an intersection in California?
Yes. The Handbook says it is against the law to block an intersection where there is not enough space to completely cross before the light turns red.
Does the gridlock rule apply when you turn on yellow?
Yes. CVC 22526(b): when you turn on a yellow light or a yellow arrow, do not enter unless there is room on the far side.
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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