Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

Failure to stop for pedestrian in crosswalk
Traveling in the left lane of the 5 lane (center lane turn) Liberty Road; I was stopped by a police sting operation. I was the first of many cars approaching a flashing pedestrian crosswalk with a raised pedestrian island. A pedestrian standing on the island stepped down, stopping all traffic and proceeded to walk within the crosswalk toward the other side of the road. I was in the left of two lanes and once the pedestrian was midway of the vehicle to my right, I began to proceed. I was immediately stopped by the police and given a citation for failure to stop for pedestrian in crosswalk. I was told by the officer that even though I had stopped, I needed to give the pedestrian time to think about going back. Maryland Rules of the Road state to stop for approaching pedestrian in crosswalk. I did, this pedestrian was going away from me. Maryland Driver�s Handbook states come to complete stop when pedestrian crossing the roadway is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling. I was on a two lane each way road, what will happen with a four lane; will all traffic have to stop until the pedestrian is out of the crosswalk? My question is what are my chances with a clean driving and criminal record?

Asked on 7/23/04, 1:51 pm

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Re: Failure to stop for pedestrian in crosswalk

From what you describe, the policeman was in error in giving you a ticket.

Answered on 7/24/04, 12:39 am

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