If you do not stop at a crosswalk when the signal indicates you must, you may be ticketed or subject to other penalties. In North Carolina, it is an offense to fail to stop for a pedestrian at a crosswalk who has the right-of-way, and there are penalties for offenders outlined in state statute.
What is a Crosswalk?
A crosswalk is a painted area that allows pedestrians to cross the street safely. The purpose of a crosswalk is to protect both pedestrian and vehicular safety by allowing people to make the safe decision to cross the street without worry.
Crosswalks can be found at intersections, near schools, and in other high-traffic areas. By law, all vehicles must stop for pedestrians who are in a marked crosswalk, except when a law officer or a traffic light says otherwise.
What are the Consequences of Not Stopping for Pedestrians at a Crosswalk?
Crosswalk safety is a major concern for both pedestrians and drivers. Drivers who do not stop for pedestrians at crosswalks can be charged with a crime. In some cases, the driver may also face fines and possible jail time. If you are caught not stopping for a pedestrian at a crosswalk, the consequences can be severe.
For example, there are several things that can happen:
A police officer can write you a ticket;
You may have to go to court;
You could receive a fine;
Your driving privileges may be suspended;
You could spend time in jail; and
Your car could be impounded.
For first-time offenders, the penalties are usually a $100 fine plus court costs as well as four demerit points to their driver’s license. Second-time and subsequent offenders often receive tougher penalties.
If a driver kills a pedestrian who had the right of way in a crosswalk, they may be guilty of vehicular homicide.
What to Do if You Get Pulled Over for Not Stopping for Pedestrians at a Crosswalk
If you are pulled over for not stopping for pedestrians at a crosswalk, the following are the key things you should do:
Stay calm and polite;
Show the officer your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance;
Answer any general questions the officer asks;
Decline to answer or choose to remain silent when asked about the crosswalk violation;
Speak to a traffic tickets attorney at our firm.
How a Traffic Tickets Attorney Can Help You
A traffic tickets attorney can help you understand the law and how it applies to your specific case. In some instances, you can have your charges reduced or dropped altogether. In other instances, we may have to try to help negotiate a settlement or fight the ticket in court.
Even if there has been an accident as a result of your violation, our experienced traffic tickets attorney can help identify any defenses that may be available to you and can provide guidance on how best to plead your case in court.
Contact us right away if you would like help with getting your charges reduced or dropped.
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