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Pedestrian crossingFrance

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

32. 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.

Raised pedestrian crossing at the junction of Boulevard Gambetta, Rue Capelet and Rue Dacher. (Vichy, France)
Wikimedia.org • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
When must drivers give way at a pedestrian crossing in France?

In France, drivers must give way, stopping when necessary, to pedestrians legally crossing or clearly showing their intention to cross. Article R415-11 also covers pedestrians in pedestrian and meeting zones.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code, Article R415-11

Are all pedestrian crossings controlled the same way in France?

A crossing controlled by lights or an authorised officer is different from an uncontrolled zebra crossing. Follow the signals, but do not endanger anyone still crossing.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • France, Road Code article R415-11, version effective from 19 September 2018; 🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • France, Road Code article R412-38, pedestrian controls

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

Keep the crossing clear so pedestrians can use it safely. Before overtaking near a pedestrian crossing, make sure no pedestrian is already on it, and respect the pedestrian give-way duty.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • France, Road Code article R415-11, version effective from 19 September 2018; 🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • France, Road Code article R414-5, pedestrians and overtaking

How close must a French pedestrian crossing be before pedestrians must use it?

Normally, less than 50 metres away. Article R412-37 exempts pedestrian areas and zones de rencontre.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • France, Code de la route, article R412-37, Légifrance

Where should French pedestrians cross at a junction without a nearby pedestrian crossing?

Along the continuation of the pavement across the carriageway. This particular rule does not apply in pedestrian areas or zones de rencontre.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • France, Road Code article R412-37, version effective from 17 November 2010

May French pedestrians cross diagonally away from an intersection?

No. They must cross perpendicular to the road’s axis; pedestrian areas and zones de rencontre are excepted.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • France, Code de la route, article R412-39, Légifrance

Does reaching a French refuge island authorise crossing the next carriageway immediately?

No. Reapply the pedestrian crossing rules before entering each following section.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • France, Code de la route, article R412-40, Légifrance

1 France 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Advisory speed 9 Footpath 10 Bike path 11 Pedestrian warning 12 Tunnel 13 Bridge 14 Cycling street 15 Pedestrian zone 16 Speed bump 17 Toll road 18 Customs 19 One-way traffic 20 Quay 21 Slope 22 Bus lane 23 Bus stop 24 Dead end 25 Stop sign 26 Give way 27 Roundabout 28 Priority road 29 Road narrowing 30 Priority over oncoming traffic 31 Give way to oncoming traffic 32 Pedestrian crossing 33 Railway crossing 34 Mandatory direction 35 Turn prohibition 36 School area 37 Overtaking 38 Crossing animals 39 Slippery road 40 Rockfall 41 Aircraft 42 Curve 43 Chevron 44 Wrong-way driving 45 Roadworks 46 Crosswind 47 Height limit 48 Width limit 49 Length limit 50 Weight limit 51 Radar speed sign 52 Selective barriers 53 Low-emission zone 54 Priority at the next junction 55 Traffic lights 56 Traffic lights warning 57 Pedestrian lights 58 Road markings 59 Junction layout 60 Bike box 61 Speed feedback 62 Driving licence 63 Location marker 64 Road number 65 Countdown markers 66 Public toilet 67 Rest area 68 Traffic mirror 69 Emergency telephone 70 International border 71 Cycling route 72 End of restriction 73 Parking 74 No parking 75 No stopping 76 Parallel parking 77 Alternate-side parking 78 Parking meter 79 Parking disc 80 Disabled parking 81 Traffic management 82 Merging 83 Reversing 84 U-turn 85 Carpool 86 Traffic jam 87 Uncontrolled crossroad 88 Road surface 89 Ring road 90 Exit 91 Information point 92 Horse riding 93 Provisional licence 94 Hazardous cargo 95 Emergency exit 96 Runaway truck ramp 97 Radio service 98 Oversize load 99 Lane 100 Tyre inflation station ...