Pedestrian Laws in the State of California

The State Legislature has passed several laws regarding pedestrian safety and requires that both driver and pedestrian act responsibly.  The exact language of these laws can be found in the California Vehicle Code.  Following are some guidelines you should follow if you are a pedestrian.

Crossing the Street at Unsignalized Locations

When crossing the street, you should only cross at corners or at mid-block crosswalks that are marked by painted lines in the street. But before entering:
1.     Stop at the curb (or edge of the road).
2.     Look left.
3.     Look right
4.     Look left again.
5.      If you see any vehicles, wait until the drivers go by or the drivers have made eye contact with you, stopped and have motioned for you to cross first.
6.      Look left and right again and step into the street when you have determined that all drivers are aware of your intentions and it is safe; and walk across the street (continuing to look left and right until you have made it to the other side.)

If you are trying to cross where a vehicle is parked, make sure that there is no driver in the vehicle and then follow Steps 1-6, listed above.  

State law indicates that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at intersections or designated mid-block crossings (that are marked).  However, a pedestrian must also take due care for his or her own safety.  Pedestrians cannot suddenly enter the street and walk or run in the path of a moving vehicle, especially when entering the street will cause an immediate hazard.    Also, while in the crosswalk, pedestrians cannot unnecessarily stop or delay traffic.

Crosswalks with Flashing Beacons

Pedestrians should still use extreme care when crossing the street where flashing beacons are in place.  The City has placed them at intersections that meet federal requirements for their installation.  In most cases, pedestrian visibility was very difficult and the number of persons crossing the street was high prior to installation of these flashing lights.  Drivers entering the area where a flashing beacon has been installed should move forward with extreme care, particularly looking for young people and persons traveling in wheelchairs. 

Lighted Crosswalks

The City of Pasadena has installed an experimental crosswalk at the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Garfield Avenue where in-pavement lights are activated whenever a pedestrian is waiting at the curb of the intersection.  Although the intersection gives a warning to drivers that pedestrians would like to cross the street, pedestrians should still follow the safety tips for crossing the street.  Do not assume that vehicles will stop.  Remember, you as a pedestrian are also responsible for your safety.

Crossing Where School Crossing Guards Are Posted

In some locations, the Pasadena Unified School District has hired school crossing guards to assist with the safe crossing of school-age children and their guardians.  You should always follow the safe crossing tips provided above but you should also wait for direction from the school crossing guard when crossing in these areas.  

Policy on Painting Crosswalks in the City of Pasadena

Crosswalks in school zones are painted yellow and all others are painted white.  The City of Pasadena has painted crosswalks as a method of directing pedestrians to safe crossing locations (which are usually signalized).  

Crossing at street intersections where a crosswalk is not painted is legal.  But, if you believe that the nearest intersection where a crosswalk is painted is too far and you frequently cross at an intersection where one is not painted, you can send a request for an investigation to: