If you encounter a sidewalk, what is the legal position on driving over it?

Driving over a sidewalk is generally considered illegal except for the specific circumstance of crossing it. The primary reason for this law is to ensure pedestrian safety and protect the integrity of pedestrian pathways. Sidewalks are designated areas for pedestrians, and driving over them could endanger individuals who are walking or standing on the sidewalk.

When vehicles must cross a sidewalk to enter or exit a driveway, this is permitted under controlled circumstances, as it typically occurs at designated crossings where pedestrian traffic is less likely. Local traffic regulations may specify the conditions under which a vehicle can legally drive over a sidewalk, usually for the purpose of accessing private property, but this does not give drivers the blanket permission to drive over sidewalks at will.

While other choices might suggest certain conditions under which driving over sidewalks could be permissible, they do not align with the foundational regulations aimed at maintaining pedestrian safety and the intended use of sidewalks. Thus, recognizing the strict limitation of driving over sidewalks supports safe urban design and protects the rights of pedestrians in shared spaces.