As pedestrian deaths continue to occur recently, in Fairfax County, Virginia, large fines will be imposed if pedestrians do not stop when crossing a crosswalk without a traffic light. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passed a stronger ordinance on the 7th to improve pedestrian safety.
Previously, vehicles only had to give way to pedestrians when they crossed the crosswalk, and in case of violation, fines ranging from $100 to $500 were imposed depending on the severity of the violation, but now they must completely stop until the pedestrian crosses the crosswalk, and in case of violation, you may be subject to a fine of $500 or more.
According to the county’s action, all existing traffic signs with the phrase ‘yield to pedestrians’ will be changed to ‘stop for pedestrians.’