Is Jaywalking Legal In Northern California?

On January 1st, 2023, the state of California passed the “Freedom To Walk Act.” Right within the Freedom To Walk Act, there are a variety of new laws that grant pedestrians greater freedom.

Being aware of these laws, and speaking with a California personal injury lawyer when necessary, will allow you to obtain the best possible legal outcome if you have been injured while jaywalking or were injured due to someone else jaywalking.

Is Jaywalking Legal In Northern California?

The answer to the question is “Yes.” You can jaywalk in Northern California. And, if you choose to do so, you will not be penalized.

You will not be penalized, that is, unless you cross the road in a manner that is considered “risky.” If you cross the road in a manner that is deemed risky” though, then things become considerably more complicated.

What Does It Mean To Jaywalk In A “Risky” Manner?

To jaywalk in a risky manner is to walk across the road in a way that does one of the following:

• Poses a danger to you, other pedestrians, or drivers.
• Increases the probability of an accident.

Given the criteria above, if you jaywalk in a manner that poses a danger to you, other pedestrians who also happen to be on the road, or the drivers who are on the road, then you can be penalized.

The same is true if you jaywalk in a manner that increases the probability of an automobile accident – or, for that matter, any other related accident – occurring to you or anyone else on the road.

What Are Some Examples Of Jaywalking In A Risky Manner?

You can jaywalk in a variety of ways that might be considered “risky.” Some examples of jaywalking in a risky manner are as follows:

• Walking along a roadway when there is a sidewalk right next to the roadway.
• Crossing a busy roadway with low-light or other forms of poor visibility.
• Running into traffic in a manner that makes it difficult for drivers to stop in time.
• Walking across a busy street while on your phone or being distracted in another way.
• Choosing not to yield to a vehicle on a busy road without a crosswalk.
• Walking against a “Don’t Walk” signal and into oncoming traffic.
• Crossing a busy roadway in the middle of the night while distracted.

Every single one of the above serves as an example of jaywalking in a risky manner. Since this type of jaywalking is perilous, a person who is found to have been jaywalking in any of these ways can face penalties.

Outside of the above, though, there is something else: a person who jaywalks in a risky manner and creates an accident can face the consequences for creating this accident.

Speak With A Northern California Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you were injured while jaywalking or were injured due to someone else jaywalking, then you can, and should, obtain compensation for your injuries.

Speak with a Northern California personal injury lawyer at Maire & Deedon today, and we will assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.