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Pedestrian crossingUnited States

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United States. 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
United States

22. 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 sign near the S78 bus stops at Arthur Kill station. (Staten Island, New York, United States)
Wikimedia.org • Kew_Gardens_613 • CC BY-SA
When must drivers give way at a pedestrian crossing in United States?

Pedestrian right-of-way rules are state-specific. For example, California requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Local signals and crossing controls still apply.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, pedestrian right of way and crossings

Are all pedestrian crossings controlled the same way in United States?

In the United States, marked zebra-style crosswalks and legally recognised unmarked crosswalks at intersections may both matter. Check state and local rules; a marked warning alone is not a traffic signal.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, pedestrian right of way and crossings

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

In California, keep the crossing clear and wait if traffic ahead prevents safe passage. Do not overtake and pass a vehicle stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross. This prohibition does not depend on whether you think you can see a safe gap. Check other states’ rules elsewhere.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • USA, California DMV, Driver’s Handbook, Laws and Rules of the Road; 🔗 post.ca.gov • USA, California POST, Traffic Enforcement workbook 8.1, corrected October 2025

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

In California, allow pedestrians in your path to finish crossing safely. A green vehicle light does not override their priority, and drivers must yield even when the pedestrian’s Don’t Walk signal is flashing. Watch for people hidden by turning or queued vehicles. Follow the applicable state rules elsewhere.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • USA, California DMV, Driver’s Handbook, Laws and Rules of the Road

1 United States 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Speed limit 5 Minimum speed 6 Advisory speed 7 Bike path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Tunnel 10 Bridge 11 Speed bump 12 Toll road 13 One-way traffic 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Road narrowing 22 Pedestrian crossing 23 Railway crossing 24 Mandatory direction 25 Turn prohibition 26 School area 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Pedestrian lights 42 Road markings 43 Bike box 44 Speed feedback 45 Driving licence 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Parallel parking 53 Park and ride 54 Kiss and ride 55 Disabled parking 56 Traffic management 57 Reversing 58 U-turn 59 Carpool 60 Detour 61 Uncontrolled crossroad 62 Ramp 63 Exit 64 Horse riding 65 Emergency exit 66 Runaway truck ramp 67 Oversize load 68 City limit 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Axle weight limit 72 Licence plate 73 Charging station 74 Flooding 75 Dip 76 Horse 77 Local traffic 78 Pedestrian 79 Cyclist 80 Motorcycle 81 Truck 82 Bus 83 Police 84 Ambulance 85 Police signals 86 Gravel road 87 Pothole 88 Median strip 89 Public property 90 Path 91 Particulates 92 Air pollution 93 Interchange 94 Rush hour 95 Filling station 96 Road code 97 Two-way traffic 98 Passing lane 99 Street gutter 100 Road debris ...