Ask Officer Michelle – Question #270
Posted by drivelocity
Yesterday Sac PD was conducting a plainclothes operation to catch motorists who don’t stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. My question is regarding jay walkers. If a pedestrian enters the street between intersections, outside of a crosswalk, are motorists required to stop? In other words, do pedestrians always have right of way in any and all circumstances?
Dear drivelocity
You ask a question that many motorists probably wonder about. Obviously, drivers should always avoid hitting anyone in the roadway regardless of whether they are in the crosswalk or not. If a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, drivers are supposed to stop. Technically speaking, a driver isn’t required to yield the right of way for a pedestrian who is jaywalking (not in a crosswalk) however, back to common sense, a driver should avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Hope this helps.
Officer Michelle
