Q: It seems that recently more and more crosswalks have been painted in the zebra pattern instead of the traditional outside edge pattern, said Theodore Petrich of Hemet.
“A friend of mine told me the rules pertaining to these zebra crossings are different than the old style. He stated that in the outline style a driver may proceed past the crosswalk as soon as the pedestrian has moved far enough through the crosswalk for the driver to safely proceed and in the zebra style crosswalk a driver must wait until the pedestrian exits the crosswalk, stepping up on the far side curb,” Petrich said.
Petrich believes the law is the same for both styles of crosswalk and that a driver must wait for the pedestrian to get all the way across the street, but if a driver proceeds when the pedestrian is over halfway across the street and it’s safe to go, the driver won’t get ticketed at the officer’s discretion. He asked for clarification.
A: We ran this by Detective Ryan McHugh, a collision investigator and reconstructionist with the Riverside Police Department Traffic Bureau. He said a crosswalk’s style doesn’t affect crosswalk laws.
“After speaking with city traffic engineering and researching California law, the difference in painting styles is solely because studies are showing the ‘ladder’ style paint is more visible than the old traditional style,” McHugh said.
California Vehicle Code section 275 defines crosswalks, including “unmarked” crosswalks. All intersections in California are considered unmarked crosswalks, even if there are no painted lines. Drivers must yield to pedestrians there as well.
The primary Vehicle Code section that covers crosswalk laws is 21950. This section addresses the duty of drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, as well as pedestrian responsibilities.
These sections pertain to pedestrian and crosswalk safety:
CVC 21954: Addresses pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk (jaywalking) and when pedestrians must yield to vehicles.
CVC 21955: Historically required pedestrians to use crosswalks at signalized intersections (though modified by the “Freedom to Walk Act” in 2023, which allows for safe crossings outside of crosswalks under certain conditions).
CVC 21970: Prohibits drivers from unnecessarily blocking crosswalks.
Here’s a summary McHugh provided of key points regarding California crosswalk laws:
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at intersection. This means slowing down or stopping if necessary. A driver can proceed once the pedestrian is safely out of their path of travel. There needs to be “plenty of clearance.”
Drivers must always exercise due care to ensure the safety of pedestrians. This includes slowing down and taking any necessary action to avoid a collision.
The California Vehicle Code requires vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians to be respectful of each other and share the roadway safely, McHugh said. Pedestrians also have responsibilities. They should not suddenly leave a curb or walk or run into the path of a vehicle that’s too close to stop. Pedestrians can’t unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a crosswalk. And at intersections with signals, they must obey the signals and only cross when it’s safe (such as with a “WALK” signal). If a countdown is flashing, they can start crossing but must complete crossing before the “DON’T WALK” signal appears.
McHugh noted that Riverside has some newer style crosswalks that drivers and pedestrians should know about.
One is an “all-direction crosswalk,” like at Magnolia Avenue and Monroe Street. The traffic signal lights stop traffic in all directions so pedestrians can cross in all directions, including diagonally. Drivers cannot go on red lights at these intersections.
Another type is called a “HAWK crosswalk” or “Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon.” These are placed at midblock crosswalks and are used to manage traffic flow while pedestrians cross.
Here’s how it works: Pedestrians push a button to activate the signal and wait for the signal to indicate it’s safe to cross. The signal will display a “WALK” indication while traffic is stopped. Once pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk, the signal may return to its dormant state. Drivers can go through the crosswalk when the signal is dark. A flashing yellow indicates that a pedestrian has activated the signal and drivers should slow down. A solid yellow light advises drivers to prepare to stop, and a solid red light requires drivers to stop. A flashing red light allows drivers to proceed after stopping, ensuring the crosswalk is clear, like a stop sign.
Road closures
Finally, San Bernardino drivers should be aware that through Aug. 1, Second Street from Metrolink Way to Mt. Vernon Avenue and Mt. Vernon Avenue from Second Street to Rialto Avenue will be closed so crews can complete paving work. Local access to the area for residents and businesses will be maintained at all times; other traffic will be detoured.
RELATED: Mt. Vernon Avenue bridge construction in San Bernardino continues, when will it be done?
The work is part of the ongoing Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge Project.
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