Judiciary Committee
Transportation Committee
AN ACT INCREASING PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALKS AND FAILURE TO EXERCISE DUE CARE TO AVOID HITTING A PEDESTRIAN OR CYCLIST
SUMMARY: This act increases the penalty for two motor vehicle infractions to violations punishable by a fine of up to $500 but subjects the violations to infraction procedures. Thus, it allows violators to (1) pay the fine by mail without a court appearance or (2) contest the fine in court.
The act's penalties apply when a motor vehicle operator:
1. fails to give the right of way, slow, or stop as appropriate for pedestrians at crosswalks; passes a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; fails to yield to pedestrians and others when crossing a sidewalk; or fails to reduce speed and stop as necessary to yield to a blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or guided by a guide dog or
2. fails to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian or person propelling a human-powered vehicle (such as a bicycle) or fails to give a reasonable warning to avoid collision (such as sounding a horn).
Previously, the conduct described first above was punishable by a fine, fee, and surcharge totaling $181 and the second by a fine, fee, and surcharge totaling $92.
Under the act, the fine is also subject to an additional $15 fee, which the state must remit to the municipality where the violation occurred.
By law, infractions and violations subject to infraction procedures are not considered crimes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2016
OLR Tracking: CR; MK; vr; MK: tjo