The California Vehicle Code (CVC) covers situations when you have a green light, but the traffic on the other side of the intersection is backed up. The code requires drivers to stay put, even on green, if there is a traffic backup that won’t let them proceed fully through the intersection.
The law is in place to prevent further backups and to prevent collisions. However, if drivers ignore this Anti-Gridlock Law and block an intersection and cause a collision, they could be held liable for any accidents and injuries that result.
CHAPTER 9. Stopping, Standing, and Parking CVC 22526
(a) Notwithstanding any official traffic control signal indication to proceed, a driver of a vehicle shall not enter an intersection or marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or marked crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle driven without obstructing the through passage of vehicles from either side.
Passing Through a California Intersection Safely
CVC 22526, also referred to as the Anti-Gridlock Act, is in place to prevent traffic backups and crashes inside intersections.
It’s a common situation for many California drivers. You have a green light, but the cars in front of you have gone and, because of a backup, can’t exit the other side of the intersection. According to the code, you must wait where you’re at until there’s enough space on the other side to allow you to pass without blocking the intersection.
Just because you have a green light doesn’t mean you can go.
If you would block the traffic currently stopped for a red light when the light changes, you should not enter the intersection.
See: Other California Laws involving red lights.
Other Cases Covered in the Anti-Gridlock Act
There are a few other situations when you should wait if the other side of the intersection is backed up.
LEFT TURNS BACKUPS: The Vehicle Code also applies to those turning left; if they have the signal and right-of-way, but the lane they are trying to turn into is backed up, they must not proceed.
(b) A driver of a vehicle which is making a turn at an intersection who is facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal shall not enter the intersection or marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or marked crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle driven without obstructing the through passage of vehicles from either side.
Railroad Crossings: The code also applies to railroad crossings. Cars approaching a railroad crossing should not pass over unless there’s room on the other side for their vehicles without blocking the tracks or the crossing. Drivers are also responsible for stopping short of a crossing if their undercarriage is too low to make it over the tracks.
Punishment for Blocking a California Intersection
Officers are able to cite offenders who block intersections with a stopping violation or a parking violation. The punishment would depend on the municipal or county statutes.
However, a ticket or a higher charge could result in a fine of a few hundred dollars (when court fees are added) and a point on a DMV record.
Of course, a driver who carelessly proceeds through an intersection only to stop halfway through, leading to a collision, could face full liability for vehicle damage and injuries.
At-fault drivers and their insurers may have to cover these costs:
- The victim’s medical bills.
- The victim’s lost paychecks while stuck at home with an injury.
- Support for the victim’s pain endured.
- Support for the victim’s emotional trauma.
- Their own increased car insurance premiums.
How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After a California Accident?
If you are seriously hurt by a driver who makes a mistake in an intersection, it’s a good idea to talk over your case with a skilled California car accident lawyer. With something like a broken bone or a head injury, a lawyer may be able to earn you much more than you could by handling your case yourself.
Maison Law offers a free case consultation to all injured California accident victims. It’s confidential, and it comes with no obligation.
What Does Legal Representation Cost? We know that after a scary accident, you may not be able to pay a lawyer. It’s why Maison Law works on a contingency basis. We begin work with no upfront costs. We are only paid if we win your case for you. Then, our attorney’s fee comes out of the settlement you receive from a car insurance company.