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Pedestrian lightsUnited 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

41. Pedestrian lights

Pedestrian lights are traffic signals that regulate when pedestrians may begin crossing a road. They normally display a red standing figure to prohibit starting and a green walking figure to permit crossing.

A flashing signal or countdown may warn that the permitted crossing period is ending. Pedestrians should cross without unnecessary delay, while turning drivers must remain alert and allow pedestrians who entered lawfully to finish crossing safely.

Pedestrian signals and refuge islands at Washington and Bridge Streets. (United States)
Wikimedia.org • Tdorante10 • CC BY-SA
What do pedestrian traffic signals mean in the United States?

The standard symbols include a white walking person and an orange raised hand. WALK permits starting; a steady DON’T WALK or raised hand prohibits a new start. Check the applicable state law for flashing-hand and countdown rules rather than assuming they are identical throughout the United States.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV section 7 and California MUTCD 2026 chapter 4I; state-law scope

What if the pedestrian signal changes while you are crossing in the United States?

If you entered lawfully during WALK, continue towards the pavement or safety refuge without unnecessary delay. A countdown indicates the remaining clearance time. Rules on starting during a flashing-hand phase depend on the applicable state law; do not assume a single national rule.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV section 7 and California MUTCD 2026 chapter 4I; state-law scope

May turning drivers ignore pedestrians on a signal-controlled crossing in the United States?

No. For example, California’s official handbook requires drivers to give way to pedestrians, including people still crossing while the pedestrian hand flashes. Follow the applicable state’s turning and pedestrian-priority rules.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV section 7 and California MUTCD 2026 chapter 4I; state-law scope

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