Pedestrian crossingGermany
Traffic rules
Germany
30. 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.
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When must drivers give way at a pedestrian crossing in Germany?
At a marked zebra crossing, vehicles other than rail vehicles must let pedestrians and wheelchair or mobility-chair users who visibly intend to cross do so. Approach at moderate speed and stop if necessary.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 26, pedestrian crossings
Are all pedestrian crossings controlled the same way in Germany?
No. The zebra-crossing duties in section 26 differ from traffic-signal controls. At a zebra crossing, overtaking is prohibited and you must keep it clear when traffic queues; at a signal-controlled crossing, obey the applicable lights.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 26, pedestrian crossings; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 37, traffic signals
May I enter a pedestrian crossing if the road beyond it is blocked in Germany?
Do not queue on the crossing or conceal pedestrians from approaching drivers. Wait before entering until there is space to clear the crossing, and do not overtake or pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian where that would endanger anyone.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German Road Traffic Regulations, Section 26, pedestrian crossings
What should I do if a pedestrian is still crossing when the traffic signal changes in Germany?
Allow the pedestrian to finish crossing safely. A green vehicle signal is not permission to drive into someone who is still in the crossing; watch particularly for pedestrians obscured by turning or queued vehicles.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 37, traffic signals; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 9, turning
How should German pedestrians cross away from a designated crossing?
Take a short, direct route across the traffic direction, without delay and with regard to vehicles.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 25, official federal statutory text
When must German pedestrians use a designated place to cross?
When traffic density, speed, visibility or traffic flow requires it, use a junction, marked signal crossing, crossing aid or zebra crossing.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 25, official federal statutory text
May German pedestrians ignore a crossing provided at the junction they are crossing?
No. At junctions they must use any zebra crossing or marked signal crossing provided there.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 25, official federal statutory text
May German pedestrians climb roadside railings to reach a crossing?
No. Section 25 prohibits crossing pedestrian barriers such as railings or chains.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 25, official federal statutory text
Do German zebra-crossing protections extend across a cycle track?
Yes. Where the crossing markings continue over a cycle track or another road section, section 26 applies there too.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 26(4), official federal statutory text
