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Earlier editions: 2020-112018-11

DIVISION 11. RULES OF THE ROAD 21000-23336›CHAPTER 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings 21350-21468›ARTICLE 3. Offenses Relating to Traffic Devices 21450-21468

§ 21462

California Vehicle Code · 2026 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · California

(a) The driver of a vehicle, the person in charge of an animal, a pedestrian, and the motorist of a streetcar shall obey the instructions of an official traffic signal applicable to them and placed as provided by law, unless otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer or when it is necessary for the purpose of avoiding a collision or in case of other emergency, subject to the exemptions granted by Section 21055.

(b) (1) A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, shall not stop a pedestrian for a violation of subdivision (a) unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision with a moving vehicle or other device moving exclusively by human power.

(2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.

(3) This subdivision does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within the roadway.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 957, Sec. 6. (AB 2147) Effective January 1, 2023.)

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California Vehicle Code

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