6.1 Pedestrian Right-of-Way, Crosswalks & Vulnerable Pedestrians
Key Takeaways
When there is no traffic signal, you must stop for pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk; most intersections have a crosswalk even if it is not marked.
Maryland law requires stopping when the pedestrian is on your half of the road or approaching from an adjacent lane on the other half.
You may not pass any vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
Yield to pedestrians when you turn on a green signal and when you turn on red after stopping.
Yield to blind or partially blind pedestrians using a white or metallic cane or guide dog, deaf pedestrians with a guide dog, and people using wheelchairs, scooters, crutches or canes.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way: The Basics
The manual's rule: pedestrians have the right-of-way at street crossings but must obey traffic control signals. When there is no traffic signal, you must stop for pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Drivers should be especially alert for pedestrians who are deaf, blind or mobility impaired. They may have trouble seeing or hearing traffic and may need extra time to cross.
Crosswalks, Marked and Unmarked
A crosswalk is where pedestrians can cross a road and drivers must stop to let them cross. Some are marked with white lines on the pavement, but others are not. Most intersections have a crosswalk even if it is not marked; it is where the sidewalk lines would extend across the street.
When You Must Stop
Maryland law (Transportation Article § 21-502) requires drivers to come to a stop for a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk who is:
- On the half of the roadway where your vehicle is traveling, or
- Approaching from an adjacent lane on the other half of the roadway.
This rule applies where a traffic signal is not in operation; where there is a signal, drivers and pedestrians must both obey it. Pedestrians also have a duty: they may not suddenly step off the curb into the path of a vehicle so close that the driver cannot stop.
Basic Crosswalk Rules From the Manual
- When there is a traffic signal, drivers and pedestrians must obey it.
- You may not pass any vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk. The stopped vehicle may be hiding a pedestrian. This is one of the most dangerous pedestrian crash patterns, and it counts toward aggressive driving.
- You must yield to pedestrians when turning on a green signal.
- You must yield to pedestrians when turning on red after stopping, where a red turn is permitted.
Failing to stop for a pedestrian, or passing a vehicle stopped for one, in a way that contributes to a crash can bring up to 2 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Pedestrians Who Need Extra Protection
Maryland law (§ 21-511) requires you to yield the right-of-way to:
| Pedestrian | How to recognize |
|---|---|
| A blind or partially blind person | Using a guide dog, or carrying a cane that is predominantly white or metallic, with or without a red tip |
| A deaf or hearing-impaired person | Accompanied by a guide dog |
| A mobility-impaired person crossing the road | Using a wheelchair (manual or motorized), motorized scooter, crutches or a cane |
Give these pedestrians plenty of time, do not honk or rev your engine, and do not wave them across. Wait until they have finished crossing.
Pedestrian Signals
At signalized crossings, pedestrians follow walk and don't-walk signals. Some crossings use a pedestrian-activated signal that stays dark for drivers until someone pushes the button (see Section 2.3). When it shows solid red, stop; when it shows flashing red, stop, then proceed with caution only if the crosswalk is clear.
Where Pedestrian Crashes Happen
- Turning vehicles. Drivers watching for a gap in traffic forget to check the crosswalk they are turning into.
- Multi-lane roads. One car stops for a pedestrian and a car in the next lane passes it.
- Night and bad weather. Pedestrians in dark clothing are hard to see.
- Near schools, parks, bus stops and parked cars. Children may dart out.
- Parking lots and driveways. Pedestrians walk behind backing vehicles.
Defensive Habits
- Scan crosswalks before turning or entering an intersection, in both directions.
- Slow down in downtown areas, shopping centers, school zones and residential streets, as the manual's speed list advises.
- Stop behind the stop line or crosswalk, not in it, so pedestrians have room.
- Look for feet under parked cars and buses.
- Make eye contact before proceeding when a pedestrian is waiting.
- Be patient. Older pedestrians, children and people with disabilities may need extra time.
School Crossing Guards
A school crossing guard in uniform directing traffic near a school is one of the few people who may direct you to do something different from a traffic control device. Obey the guard's signals, and stay stopped until the guard and the children are out of the road.
Scenario Practice
- A pedestrian steps into an unmarked crosswalk on your side of a two-lane street with no signal. Stop and remain stopped until they are clear.
- You are in the left lane of a four-lane road, and the car to your right stops before a crosswalk. Do not pass it; stop too.
- You are turning right on green, and a person using a wheelchair is crossing the street you are entering. Yield and wait until they have crossed.
You are driving in the left lane of a four-lane road, and the car in the right lane stops at a crosswalk. What must you do?
Pass carefully, since your lane is clear
Honk to warn any pedestrians who might be crossing, then continue slowly
Change lanes behind the stopped car
Do not pass the stopped vehicle; stop and check for a pedestrian
Under Maryland law, which pedestrian must you yield to?
A blind pedestrian with a white cane
Only pedestrians inside a painted crosswalk at a signalized intersection
Only pedestrians crossing on a walk signal
Only children in school zones
When does the manual say you must yield to pedestrians while turning?
Only when they are in a marked crosswalk
When turning on a green signal and when turning on red after stopping
Never, because turning vehicles have priority
Only if a crossing guard is present
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.