A bill in the Virginia State Senate would require that drivers come to a complete stop when yielding to pedestrians crossing the street
The bill, introduced by state Sen. Barbara Favola (D), adds language to state law telling motorists what constitutes yielding to a pedestrian: 鈥渂y stopping and remaining stopped until such pedestrian has safely crossed,鈥� per the bill text.
Favola鈥檚 bill would require drivers to stop and remain stopped at the following places:
- Clearly marked crosswalks, whether at mid-block or at the end of any block.
- Any regular pedestrian crossing included in the boundary lines of the adjacent sidewalk at the end of a block.
- Any intersection when the driver is approaching on a highway where the maximum speed limit is 35 miles per hour.
Language on when drivers must yield to pedestrians is included in the , but does not include the line to have drivers stop.
鈥淯nder this bill, a car would have to stop. Right now all you have to do is yield,鈥� Favola told ARLnow.com. 鈥淪o if a pedestrian is crossing and is on one half of the crosswalk, a car can go through the other half. This would make them stop completely.鈥�
Favola鈥檚 district includes sections of Arlington County. The new legislation comes on the heels of a recent enforcement effort by the Arlington County Police Department, during which officers cited more than 30 motorists at for failing to yield.
would not change the fines for violations: $100-$500 when street signs require drivers to yield and no more than $100 at crossings with shared-use paths like trails.
