Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 1238, which would have allowed people to cross the road when cars are not present without receiving a jaywalking ticket.
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Friday that would have allowed people to cross the street outside of crosswalks when cars were not present without facing the possibility of a pricey jaywalking ticket.
“I am concerned that AB 1238 will unintentionally reduce pedestrian safety and potentially increase fatalities or serious injuries caused by pedestrians that enter our roadways at inappropriate locations,” Newsom wrote in a veto message. “I am committed to working with the author, the Legislature, and stakeholders on legislation that addresses the unequal enforcement of jaywalking laws in a manner that does not risk worsening California’s pedestrian safety.
The California State Sheriffs’ Assn. opposed the bill, arguing that it creates unpredictable road situations that could endanger the safety of pedestrians and motorists. In March, Virginia became the first state to allow jaywalking without the risk of a fine by making it a secondary offense, meaning a pedestrian can’t be stopped for the sole reason of crossing the street illegally. California already eased some restrictions in 2018 by making it legal to enter a crosswalk after the pedestrian meter begins as long as a person successfully crosses before the timer ends.
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