Pedestrian crossingSlovenia

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18. 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
Pedestrian crossing in Črnomelj. (Slovenia)
Wikimedia.org • CC0
What is a pedestrian crossing?

A pedestrian crossing is a designated place for pedestrians to cross a road. It may be controlled by traffic lights or operate without signals.

How can you recognise a pedestrian crossing?

It may be indicated by white road markings, traffic signs, flashing lights, pedestrian signals or a raised crossing. Its appearance varies between countries.

Is a pedestrian crossing the same as a zebra crossing?

A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing marked by broad contrasting stripes or rectangles. Not every pedestrian crossing uses this design.

Do pedestrians always have priority?

Not universally. Priority depends on local law, traffic signals and whether the pedestrian is already crossing or clearly preparing to cross.

Must drivers stop for pedestrians waiting beside the crossing?

This depends on local law. In many countries, drivers must give way when a pedestrian is clearly intending or preparing to enter the crossing.

How should drivers approach a pedestrian crossing?

Reduce speed, observe both sides of the road and be prepared to stop. Pay particular attention to children, older people and persons with limited mobility.

May you enter a crossing when traffic is congested?

No. Do not enter when traffic ahead may force you to stop on the crossing and block pedestrians.

Where should you stop for a pedestrian?

Stop before the crossing or before the applicable stop line. Leave the crossing completely clear.

May you overtake near a pedestrian crossing?

Overtaking may be prohibited, particularly when another vehicle has stopped or slowed for the crossing. Even where no specific prohibition applies, overtaking is unsafe when pedestrians may be hidden from view.

May you stop or park on a pedestrian crossing?

Normally not. Stopping or parking on or immediately before a crossing can obstruct pedestrians and hide them from approaching drivers.

Does a pedestrian crossing impose a speed limit?

Not by itself. Drivers must respect the applicable speed limit and reduce their speed further when necessary to stop safely.

Do traffic lights change the priority rules?

Yes. Drivers and pedestrians must follow the signals applying to them. Drivers must still allow pedestrians who lawfully started crossing to finish safely.

May pedestrians cross when their signal is red?

No. Pedestrians must wait when the pedestrian signal prohibits them from entering the road.

What if the pedestrian signal changes while someone is crossing?

A pedestrian who entered lawfully should continue at a normal pace. Drivers must allow the crossing to be completed safely.

May cyclists ride across a pedestrian crossing?

This depends on local law. In many countries, a person riding a bicycle is treated as a driver and does not receive pedestrian priority. A cyclist walking beside the bicycle is normally treated as a pedestrian.

Is a pedestrian crossing also a cycle crossing?

Not automatically. A separate cycle crossing, cycle path or combined crossing may be indicated by additional markings or signs.

Must pedestrians use a nearby crossing?

Some countries require pedestrians to use a crossing when one is located within a specified distance. Other countries allow crossing elsewhere when it can be done safely.

May pedestrians remain standing on the crossing?

No. Pedestrians should cross without unnecessary delay and should not obstruct traffic by stopping or lingering on the road.

Does a raised pedestrian crossing change priority?

The raised surface itself does not necessarily determine priority. Drivers and pedestrians must follow the crossing markings, signs, signals and local rules.

What should drivers check when turning across a crossing?

Check for pedestrians approaching from both sides and give way where required. Turning drivers should not focus only on motor traffic.

What should pedestrians do before crossing?

Observe approaching traffic, make sure drivers have sufficient time to react and cross carefully. Priority does not remove the need to avoid stepping into the path of a vehicle that cannot stop safely.

1 Slovenia 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Tunnel 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Speed bump 9 Customs 10 One-way traffic 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Roundabout 16 Priority road 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Rockfall 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Traffic lights 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Traffic mirror 32 International border 33 Cycling route 34 Parking 35 No stopping 36 Parking disc 37 Reversing 38 Emergency exit 39 City limit 40 Licence plate 41 Charging station 42 Dangers 43 Dip 44 Pedestrian 45 Cyclist 46 Truck 47 Bus 48 Police 49 Ambulance 50 Taxi 51 European emission standard 52 Pothole 53 Path 54 Particulates 55 Air pollution 56 Rush hour 57 Road code 58 Street gutter 59 Cargo bike 60 Forestry vehicle 61 Construction vehicle 62 Semi-trailer truck 63 Trolleybus 64 Speed pedelec 65 Delivery vehicle 66 Idling 67 Tow truck 68 Four-wheel drive 69 No vehicles 70 Bicycle 71 Motorcycle equipment 72 Rail track 73 Caravan 74 Trailer 75 Tow hitch 76 Fire truck 77 Siren 78 Convoy 79 Emergency vehicle lighting 80 Agricultural machinery 81 Electric bicycle 82 Electric vehicle 83 Pedelec 84 Quadricycle 85 Microcar 86 All-terrain vehicle 87 Van 88 Recreational vehicle 89 Scooter 90 Trikke 91 Personal mobility device 92 Skateboard 93 Segway 94 Kick scooter 95 Roller skates 96 Mailman 97 Hitchhiker 98 Toddler 99 Child 100 Disability ...