Pedestrian crossingAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. 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

Australia

17. Pedestrian crossing

A pedestrian crossing is a designated place where pedestrians may cross a road. It is commonly indicated by road markings, traffic signs, signals or a combination of these measures.

Drivers must approach with appropriate caution and give way when required by local law. Pedestrians must also observe approaching traffic and follow any pedestrian signals or instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

Pedestrian crossing on James Street in Fortitude Valley. (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
Wikimedia.org • Kgbo • CC BY-SA

When must drivers give way at a pedestrian crossing in Australia?

In New South Wales, motorists must give way to pedestrians crossing at a pedestrian crossing and may not overtake a vehicle stopping for them. Other states and territories set their own detailed road rules.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, pedestrian crossings

Are all pedestrian crossings controlled the same way in Australia?

No. In NSW, a zebra crossing, priority path crossing, continuous footpath, signal-controlled crossing and pedestrian refuge have different controls. Priority path crossings require giving way to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles at or near the crossing. A refuge island alone does not create the same crossing priority. Check the signs, markings and signals; other states and territories have their own rules.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW Government, Pedestrian crossings

May I enter a pedestrian crossing if the road beyond it is blocked in Australia?

In NSW, do not drive onto a pedestrian crossing if the road ahead is blocked. Do not overtake a vehicle stopping or stopped to give way to pedestrians crossing there. Wait before the crossing until you can clear it. Other states and territories set their own detailed rules.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW Government, Pedestrian crossings

What should I do if a pedestrian is still crossing when the traffic signal changes in Australia?

In NSW, give way to pedestrians still crossing the road you are turning into, including when their pedestrian signal is flashing red. A green vehicle light does not remove this duty. Allow them to finish safely and check for people hidden by other vehicles. Check the applicable rules elsewhere in Australia.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW Government, Traffic lights, pedestrian signals

Roundabout

Railway crossing

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...