Falls Church proposes 'Pedestrian Protection' article to require motorists to stop for pedestrians; council asks staff for signage plan

City staff proposed an ordinance to amend Falls Church City code, adding a new Article 8 titled "Pedestrian Protection" to Chapter 26 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic). The proposal would require motorists to stop — rather than merely yield — for pedestrians in marked crosswalks on unsignalized roadways where state law allows, clarify pedestrian rights at crosswalks and intersections, and add authority for the city to install stop-signage-style devices and assess local fines.

Staff said the ordinance follows statewide changes to the Virginia motor-vehicle code (Title 46.2) enacted July 1, 2023, that moved from a yield standard in some circumstances to a stop requirement for vehicles at certain unsignalized pedestrian crossings. The city attorney and police staff told council the proposed city code language is intended to bring local code in line with the state and to give local officers clear guidance.

Chief Heart told council that changing signage from "yield" to "stop" would make enforcement clearer: "Where the signage has changed to, having to stop as opposed to yield, then that's very clear. The vehicle's motion needs to come to a stop." The chief and members discussed enforcement challenges, including proving failure to yield absent a crash, witness and evidence needs, and the size and placement of signs. Councilmembers pressed for a budgeted plan for signage and other measures to make enforcement practical.

Staff said the state maximum penalty for the relevant code section is $100 and that localities may increase fines; the draft ordinance notes local authority to set fines up to $500. Councilmember questions covered scramble (diagonal) intersections, whether the ordinance allows scramble pilots, how long a driver must stop while a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, educational outreach for drivers and teen drivers, and mid-crosswalk paddles or HAWK signals. The chief said drivers should yield until a pedestrian is safely clear of the vehicle's path and acknowledged that enforcement decisions will rely on officer judgment and, if contested, judicial review.

Councilmembers expressed general support for moving the ordinance to first reading and public hearing. Staff said it will provide a sign-placement and cost plan to council by second reading so the council can consider enforcement and budget implications before final passage.