Pedestrian access.

Existing law makes various provisions relating to the rules of the road, including, but not limited to, traffic signs, symbols, and markings, and pedestrians' rights and duties. Under existing law, a violation of these provisions is an infraction. Existing law prohibits a pedestrian from entering the roadway if the pedestrian is facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow warning signal unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal, as specified. This bill would eliminate that prohibition until January 1, 2029. Existing law requires the driver of a vehicle and other specified persons, including a pedestrian, to obey the instructions of any official traffic signal applicable to the person and placed as provided by law, unless otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer, or other specified conditions exist. This bill would exempt a pedestrian from that requirement until January 1, 2029. Existing law prohibits a pedestrian from crossing at any place except a crosswalk between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers. Existing law requires a pedestrian to walk close to the left-hand edge of a roadway outside of a business or residence district, except as specified. This bill would repeal those provisions until January 1, 2029. The bill would prohibit a pedestrian who crosses or enters a roadway when no cars are present from being subject to a fine or criminal penalty until January 1, 2029. Existing law declares that provisions relating to pedestrian access do not prevent local authorities from adopting ordinances prohibiting pedestrians from crossing roadways at other than crosswalks. This bill would remove that authorization until January 1, 2029. Existing law prohibits a pedestrian from suddenly leaving a curb or other place of safety and walking or running into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. Under existing law, a pedestrian who is not within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection is required to yield the right-of-way to all vehicles so near as to constitute an immediate hazard. This bill would, until January 1, 2029, state that an immediate hazard exists if the approaching vehicle is so near or is approaching so fast that a reasonably careful person would realize that there is a danger of collision. Commencing January 1, 2023, this bill would require the Department of the California Highway Patrol to submit an annual report to the Legislature regarding pedestrian injuries and fatalities. This reporting requirement would be repealed on January 1, 2029.