VEHICLE CODE – VEH
DIVISION 11. RULES OF THE ROAD [21000 – 23336]
( Division 11 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
CHAPTER 5. Pedestrians’ Rights and Duties [21949 – 21971]
( Chapter 5 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
21970.
(a) No person may stop a vehicle unnecessarily in a manner that causes the vehicle to block a marked or unmarked crosswalk or sidewalk.
(b) Subdivision (a) does not preclude the driver of a vehicle facing a steady circular red light from turning right or turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 21453.
(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 833, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2001.)
Penalties for running a red light:
- $100 for running straight through a solid or flashing red light
- $35 for making an illegal right turn at a red light, and
- $35 for running a stop sign.
There may be additional fees.
Additionally, running a red light or a stop sign will add One Point to the driver’s driving record.
- Solid Red–A red traffic signal light (pictured) means “STOP.” You can make a right turn against a red traffic signal light after you stop. Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles close enough to be a hazard. Make the right turn only when it is safe. Do not turn if a “NO TURN ON RED” sign is posted. These signs are often missed. Always check more than once for the No Turn On Red Signs.
- Red Arrow–A red arrow means “STOP.” Remain stopped until the green signal or green arrow appears. Do not turn against a red arrow. Even if you are turning right, there is no traffic, and the crosswalk is clear, a red arrow means no turn until the light is green.
- Flashing Red–A flashing red traffic signal light means “STOP.” After stopping, you may proceed when it is safe. Observe the right-of-way rules. It resembles a 4-way stop. Stop, look, make sure it is your turn, and proceed very slowly. Many times accidents occur at 4-way stops and red flashing lights because they can be confusing.
