CVC 21950 Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian: Info + What to Do

Under 21950 CVC, or the “Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian law,” drivers must give pedestrians the right of way within any marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

As a driver, violating this law can result in fines of up to $1,000 and points on your driving record. Here’s what you should know about it. 

What Is CVC 21950?

This California law outlines how drivers and pedestrians must behave at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

Below is a quick breakdown of its five sections:

• (a) Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections.
• (b) Pedestrians must not step into traffic suddenly or stop in the crosswalk unnecessarily.
• (c) Drivers must slow down or stop if a pedestrian is crossing.
• (d) Drivers must always act to avoid hitting pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is at fault.
• (e) Police can’t stop pedestrians for violations unless there’s immediate danger of a collision.

Common Violations of CVC 21950

These rules look simple on paper, but can prove tricky in real-life traffic situations, even for experienced drivers. 

With that in mind, here are some common violations of CVC 21950:

❌ Not stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks: Drivers must yield—even during rush hour or at blind intersections.

❌ Passing a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk: It’s illegal to go around a car that has stopped for a pedestrian.

❌ Ignoring unmarked crosswalks: Pedestrians still have the right-of-way at intersections without painted lines.

❌ Failing to yield when turning: Always let pedestrians cross before making a left or right turn.

❌ Not yielding at sidewalk crossings: Pedestrians waiting at the curb must be allowed to cross before you proceed.

💡 Deaths from motor vehicle crashes with pedestrians have increased by 83% since reaching their low point in 2009 and account for 18% of crash fatalities in California.

What Are the Consequences of a CVC 21950 Violation?

Failure to yield can have significant consequences, from fines to demerit points. Here’s what to expect if you get a CVC 21950 ticket:

Fines and Fees

The base fine for violating CVC 21950 is $238. With court and administrative fees, the actual cost can reach $1,000 or more.

Points on Your Driving Record

Under California’s DMV Point System, a failure-to-yield ticket is a one-point violation. This may not seem like much, but the points can add up over time and result in license suspension or revocation.

Higher Insurance Premiums

In addition to the fines and fees from your ticket, getting a point on your driving record will almost always cause your insurance premiums to increase. A single traffic ticket can have a serious impact on your insurance, causing premiums to rise by about 20-30% or more. 

The best-case scenario might be a small increase of around 10-15% if your insurer offers forgiveness for a first-time minor violation. In the worst-case scenario, you could see your rates double, especially for serious violations or repeat offenses. 

If you’re wondering how long points stay on your driving record, most violations remain for at least 36 months, during which time you’ll pay extra for auto insurance. 

What Can I Do about a 21950 CVC Violation?

Depending on your circumstances, you can choose to fight the ticket or plead guilty and go to traffic school. If you choose the former, decide whether you want to appear in court or request a trial by written declaration. 

Let’s see what each option entails. 

Plead Guilty and Request Traffic School 

In California, most drivers charged with a CVC 21950 violation can opt for traffic school. If you go this route, the points associated with your ticket will be hidden from potential employers, insurance providers, and other third parties. 

The notice you receive from the court with your ticket should mention if you’re eligible for traffic school. What you should do next is pay the fine and court fees, as well as a traffic school court administrative fee. 

Traffic school only takes a few hours, and it save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in the long run. 

Fight Your Ticket in Court 

If you feel you’ve been unfairly accused of a CVC 21950 violation, consider fighting your ticket in court. Simply follow these steps: 

1. Plead not guilty. It’s important to do this by the date listed on your citation.
2. Gather evidence. Collect any evidence that supports your case. This could be photographs of the intersection where the incident occurred, traffic camera footage (if available), or witness testimonies.
3. Attend court and present your case. Go to court to present your evidence. The judge will analyze it and decide whether you’re guilty or not guilty.

Note that there are several common defenses for violating CVC 21950. These may include:

• Pedestrian negligence: You didn’t have time to stop because the pedestrian entered the crosswalk suddenly. However, the judge may say you should have slowed down as you approached the crosswalk. 
• Unavoidable circumstances: You did everything in your power to avoid the collision, but could not prevent it due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, the car behind you was speeding and showed no intention to slow down at the crosswalk. 
• Faulty crosswalk signals or poorly marked crosswalks: Any of these issues can cause drivers to unintentionally violate the law. 
• Human error: The police officer could have wrongly issued the ticket (e.g., because of rain or fog), and the driver did yield properly. You may also use this defense if you’re accused of violating CVC 21461—Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and related laws.  

The problem is that most defenses are not foolproof and, in some cases, could turn against you. Given these aspects, it may be worth hiring a traffic attorney to represent you before a judge. 

Assistance from a traffic attorney comes at a cost, and you should weigh these costs against the potential fines, insurance rate increases, and other consequences of violating CVC 21950. Ideally, discuss your case with a traffic lawyer and then decide whether or not you need their services in court. 

Request a Trial by Written Declaration for Failure to Yield

California drivers charged with traffic infractions, such as CVC 21950 can contest the ticket in writing. 

This process is called trial by written declaration and involves submitting a statement and supporting evidence to the court by mail. The officer who issued your ticket will submit a written statement, too. 

Here’s what you need to do if you choose this option:

1. Request a trial by written declaration. First, contact your local court (the information should be on your ticket) and request a trial by written declaration. If you’re eligible, they’ll provide you with the necessary forms, which usually include a Request for Trial by Written Declaration (TR-205) and a Statement of Facts (TR-210 or TR-215).
2. Prepare your statement. Provide a detailed, factual, and logical argument as to why you’re not guilty of the alleged violation. Write in the first person and be clear, concise, and to the point. If you have any evidence to support your claim, such as photographs or witness statements, make sure to reference them in your statement and attach them to your declaration.
3. Submit your forms and pay bail. Fill out the forms completely. Be sure to include your citation number and other required information. Submit them to the court along with payment for the fines and fees associated with your ticket, also known as bail. This money will be refunded to you if you’re found not guilty.
4. Wait for the verdict. Once the court receives your written declaration, a judge will review your case and make a decision. You’ll be notified by mail of the verdict.

If you’re found guilty via trial by written declaration, you can appeal the decision. Doing so will require you to physically appear in court at a later date.

Best Online Traffic School for CVC 21950

Unless you have a valid reason to fight your ticket, your best bet is to plead guilty and sign up for traffic school. It’s a quick and easy way to mask one point from your record and keep your insurance premiums from increasing. 

While you can attend traffic school in person, taking an online course is faster and more convenient. Most of our students finish the course in under three hours – and 99% pass on the first try.

The content is easy to follow, and we also provide free audio read-alongs for a smooth learning experience. Our students also enjoy perks like:

✅ 24/7 live chat support
✅ Learning materials in English, Chinese, and Spanish
✅ Unlimited exam attempts and course retakes
✅ Instant electronic certificate of completion
✅ Same-day certificate submission to the court and DMV
✅ A zero-risk “Don’t Pay Until You Pass” guarantee

How much does traffic school cost? We’re one of the few traffic schools in California that charge an all-inclusive flat fee of just $27.99. The best part? You don’t have to pay until the course is over. 

Thanks to our “Don’t Pay Until You Pass” guarantee, you can take the course for free and pay only after passing the final exam. 

Getting a ticket doesn’t need to mean an increase in car insurance premiums. Start traffic school for FREE to get that point off your driving record.

Other California Vehicle Code Sections Related to Pedestrian Safety

The California Vehicle Code has several other sections on pedestrian safety. Failure to comply with these laws can add one point to your record and result in hefty fines. 

• CVC 2195: Drivers may not overtake and pass other vehicles stopped at crosswalks to let pedestrians walk safely. 
• CVC 21952: When driving over or upon a sidewalk, you must let any pedestrians on or near the sidewalk go first.
• CVC 21954: Pedestrians crossing the road outside of crosswalks must yield the right-of-way to close, oncoming vehicles. Drivers, on the other hand, should still exercise caution and prioritize pedestrians’ safety.
  CVC 21955: This law prohibits pedestrians from jaywalking when traffic lights or police officers are directing the traffic at intersections. It also states that the police cannot stop people from jaywalking unless they are at risk for a collision. 

FAQs about 21950 CVC

Looking for more information? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about pedestrian traffic regulations.