Entering a crosswalk when a pedestrian signal displays the "Don't Walk" message or a raised hand symbol indicating pedestrians should not enter.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
This violation occurs when a pedestrian enters a crosswalk after the signal has changed to 'Don't Walk' or shows a raised hand symbol. It's essentially jaywalking at a controlled intersection, and while it doesn't add points to your driving record, it still carries a fine of nearly $200.
The base fine is around $197, but with California's fee structure, you could pay more. The good news is this violation adds zero points to your DMV record since it's a pedestrian offense, not a driving violation. However, the ticket still creates a court record and requires you to respond within the deadline.
This pedestrian violation should not affect your auto insurance rates since it doesn't appear on your driving record and carries zero DMV points. However, the fine itself must still be paid if you don't successfully contest the ticket.
A pedestrian facing a "Don't Walk" or "Wait" signal shall not enter the roadway.
A pedestrian sees the countdown timer at 3 seconds and runs into the crosswalk to beat the light.
This is a valid violation since entering the crosswalk after 'Don't Walk' appears is prohibited, regardless of remaining countdown time.
A pedestrian enters the crosswalk on 'Walk' but the signal changes to 'Don't Walk' while they're crossing.
This is NOT a violation — California law allows pedestrians to finish crossing if they legally entered on 'Walk.'
The pedestrian signal was broken and stuck on 'Don't Walk' even though the parallel traffic light was green.
A malfunctioning signal may provide grounds to contest the ticket since the signal wasn't operating correctly.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Signal was displaying WALK
CVC 21456(a) prohibits pedestrians from stepping into a crosswalk when facing a DON'T WALK signal. If the signal was displaying WALK when you stepped off the curb, or if you were already in the crosswalk when the signal changed, challenge the factual elements.
Already in crosswalk when signal changed
CVC 21456(b) provides that a pedestrian who has entered the crosswalk during a WALK phase may complete the crossing. If you entered on WALK and were partway across when the signal changed, you were complying with the law.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
Optionally describe your situation — road conditions, time of day, officer position — and get a tailored document preparation overview.
No, this specific code applies only to pedestrians. Cyclists are governed by different sections of the Vehicle Code and must follow traffic signals for vehicles, not pedestrian signals.
No. Once the 'Don't Walk' signal or hand symbol appears (even with a countdown), you cannot legally enter the crosswalk. The countdown is meant for pedestrians already in the crosswalk to know how much time they have to finish crossing.
If you crossed mid-block away from a crosswalk, you may have violated a different code section. In your declaration, you can address whether CVC 21456(a) accurately describes what occurred, since this code specifically covers crosswalk signal violations.
A pedestrian infraction is a minor offense and typically does not appear on standard employment background checks. However, it will create a court record, so it's still in your interest to contest or resolve it properly.
Yes. California allows you to contest pedestrian infractions through Trial by Written Declaration, just like traffic tickets. You submit your defense in writing without appearing in court.
Upload your citation and TicketClear generates a personalized Trial by Written Declaration based on your specific situation. Starting at $49.99.
Check if my ticket qualifiesTakes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
Most California citations expire in 60 days. Check yours in 2 minutes. No payment required to see if you qualify.
Check my deadline, it's freeTakes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.