California Assembly Bill 2147, the Freedom to Walk Act, amended Vehicle Code Section 21955 effective January 2023. Crossing midblock outside a marked crosswalk is now an infraction only when an immediate hazard of collision exists. The Santa Clara County Sheriff applies the statewide standard in unincorporated areas.
Before AB 2147, California Vehicle Code Section 21955 required pedestrians between adjacent signalized intersections to cross only in marked crosswalks, and any midblock crossing was an infraction. AB 2147 amended the statute so that an officer may stop or cite a pedestrian only when a reasonably careful person would realize a collision is immediately likely. Routine midblock crossings on quiet streets are no longer enforceable. The change responded to data showing disproportionate enforcement against Black and Latino pedestrians. The Santa Clara County Sheriff and CHP follow the statewide standard, and cities including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto cannot reinstate stricter midblock bans absent a specific statutory authorization.
When immediate collision risk exists, jaywalking under CVC 21955 remains an infraction with a base fine and court fees. Outside that narrow circumstance, no citation is permitted, and any stop based solely on midblock crossing is unlawful.
See how Santa Clara County's jaywalking rules stack up against other locations.
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