Do Drivers Have to Wait for Pedestrians to Cross the Street in California?

Imagine you’re driving through Los Angeles traffic when a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk. They’re almost across—just a few steps left. Can you go? Or do you actually have to wait for pedestrians to completely cross a street before moving forward?
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It’s a common question, and one that causes plenty of confusion on California roads. Do drivers have to wait for pedestrians to cross the street, or is it enough for them to be “out of the way”? Understanding pedestrian crossing laws in California isn’t just about avoiding tickets—it’s about preventing serious accidents and knowing your rights if something goes wrong.
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In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about California crosswalk laws and what it means for drivers.

What Are California Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws?

Under California crosswalk laws, pedestrians generally have the right of way when they are lawfully within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. That means drivers are required to yield to pedestrians who are already crossing the street or who have stepped into the crosswalk.
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But here’s where things get tricky. The law does not always require drivers to wait for pedestrians to completely cross a street from curb to curb. Instead, drivers must yield until it is reasonably safe to proceed without endangering the pedestrian.
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So, does that mean you can go once they pass your lane? In some situations, yes—but only if your movement won’t interfere with their safety. If you’re turning, accelerating too quickly, or forcing a pedestrian to hurry, that’s a problem.

Do Drivers Have to Wait for Pedestrians to Fully Exit the Crosswalk?

​So, are drivers required to yield to pedestrians? Not exactly. Pedestrians also have responsibilities.
For example, pedestrians should not suddenly leave the curb and step into the path of a vehicle that cannot reasonably stop. That said, drivers must yield to pedestrians in their half of the roadway and avoid passing so closely that it creates a danger. Many people assume the rule is absolute—that drivers must wait for a pedestrian to fully exit the crosswalk before proceeding. If a pedestrian is still close enough that your movement could put them at risk, you should wait.

While some states have stricter rules, such laws in California focus on safety rather than rigid distance requirements. Remember, even if a pedestrian makes a mistake, drivers still have a duty to exercise caution. California follows a comparative fault system, meaning more than one party can share responsibility after an accident.

What If You’re Hit While Crossing the Street?

If you’re injured while walking, knowing your rights is crucial. Filing a pedestrian accident claim in Los Angeles often requires proving that the driver failed to comply with California crosswalk laws. Evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and medical records can all play a critical role.

Insurance companies may try to argue that you crossed too slowly or weren’t paying attention—but that doesn’t automatically eliminate your right to compensation. ​An experienced personal injury attorney can review the facts of the accident to determine whether the driver failed to yield the right of way, moved forward before it was safe to do so, or otherwise violated pedestrian safety laws in California.

Further, a skilled injury attorney can also push back if an insurance company tries to shift blame onto the pedestrian, ensuring the driver is held accountable for unsafe or unlawful behavior.

Do you Need Legal Help?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, our injury attorneys at Yepremyan Law can help you understand your options and protect your rights. Since 1998, our law firm in North Hollywood has represented clients throughout Southern California. With 24/7 support, we offer free case evaluations to ensure injured victims receive the guidance they need.

Call our office today to schedule your consultation with one of our North Hollywood pedestrian accident attorneys and let us know how we can help. Yepremyan Law Firm works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee. 

Your journey to justice starts here.

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