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Pedestrian lightsAustria

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Austria. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Austria

37. Pedestrian lights

Pedestrian lights are traffic signals that regulate when pedestrians may begin crossing a road. They normally display a red standing figure to prohibit starting and a green walking figure to permit crossing.

A flashing signal or countdown may warn that the permitted crossing period is ending. Pedestrians should cross without unnecessary delay, while turning drivers must remain alert and allow pedestrians who entered lawfully to finish crossing safely.

Pedestrian lights
Pedestrian traffic lights outside Diesterwegschule. (Linz, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Haeferl • CC BY-SA
What do pedestrian traffic signals mean in Austria?

Enter only on green. Flashing green warns that the green phase is ending. If the signal changes after you entered lawfully, you may continue, but only as far as a refuge island where one is present.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austria, StVO sections 38(4),(6),(8) and 76(3)

What if the pedestrian signal changes while you are crossing in Austria?

If you entered lawfully and the signal changes, you may continue crossing. If there is a refuge island, continue only as far as that island, then obey the applicable signal before crossing the next part. Do not begin a crossing on red.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austria, StVO sections 38(4),(6),(8) and 76(3)

May turning drivers ignore pedestrians on a signal-controlled crossing in Austria?

No. Drivers must watch for pedestrians still on the crossing and obey the local rules on giving way when turning. A signal for vehicles does not justify driving into someone who has not yet reached a safe place.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austria, StVO sections 38(4),(6),(8) and 76(3)

What if Austrian crossing signals change after a pedestrian starts and there is a refuge island?

Continue only as far as the island, then follow the applicable signal before crossing further.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austria, StVO sections 38(4),(6),(8) and 76(3)

How do Austrian pedestrians cross at traffic lights without a separate pedestrian signal?

Only while traffic on the carriageway to be crossed has a Stop indication. Do not enter on steady amber or an officer’s vertically raised arm.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austria, StVO sections 38(4),(6),(8) and 76(3)

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