Pedestrian crossing signs and crosswalks: who has the right of way
A figure walking across a yellow diamond. Pedestrian rules are tested on every permit exam because pedestrian fatalities have risen steadily for a decade and DMVs prioritize pedestrian-safety questions.
Where you’ll see pedestrian crossing signs
Every marked crosswalk and many unmarked ones. Pedestrian-crossing warning signs sit before crossings without traffic signals.
What to do
Yield to pedestrians in any crosswalk - marked or unmarked. At intersections without crosswalks, yield to anyone clearly trying to cross. Never pass a vehicle that’s stopped at a crosswalk; they may be stopped for a pedestrian you can’t see.
Common test traps
The ‘unmarked crosswalk’ question. Every intersection has an implied crosswalk even if not painted, and pedestrians legally have the right of way there. Failing to yield at an unmarked crosswalk is a violation in most states and shows up frequently on exams. Also tested: pedestrians with white canes or guide dogs always have the right of way; you must stop, not just slow.
Sample questions on pedestrian crossing signs
Here are 4 practice questions on this topic. Tap to reveal the answer.
Question 1: What does a green arrow signal mean in Colorado when it appears along with other traffic lights?
- You may turn in the direction shown by the arrow
- You may only proceed straight, not turn
- You must turn in the direction shown by the arrow
Correct: You may turn in the direction shown by the arrow
Why: According to the Colorado Driver Handbook, a lighted green arrow, by itself or along with a red, green, or yellow light, means you may turn in the direction shown by the arrow. The handbook also notes that if the green arrow goes off but the circular green is on, you may still turn after yielding to through vehicles and pedestrians.
Question 2: When you see a flashing yellow arrow at a traffic signal in Colorado, what should you do?
- Proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
- Stop completely before turning
- Turn quickly before oncoming traffic arrives
Correct: Proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
Why: A flashing yellow arrow means that a driver turning left should proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It is important to never rush through a flashing yellow arrow and to take the time to check for a clear path through the intersection.
Question 3: When turning right on red, you must:
- Only stop if there are pedestrians in the crosswalk
- Come to a complete stop and check for opposing traffic and pedestrians
- Slow down but continue turning if no cars are coming
Correct: Come to a complete stop and check for opposing traffic and pedestrians
Why: When turning right on red, ‘a complete stop and a check for opposing traffic must be made before turning right. Drivers must always look for pedestrians in or about the crosswalks.’
Question 4: Who has the right-of-way when you have a green traffic signal?
- You always have the right-of-way with a green signal
- Only emergency vehicles have the right-of-way
- No one is given the right-of-way; you must yield to those already in the intersection
Correct: No one is given the right-of-way; you must yield to those already in the intersection
Why: The law does not give anyone the right-of-way, even if your traffic signal is green. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are already in an intersection you are approaching.
Practice pedestrian crossing signs in your state
This topic is heavily tested across all 50 states. Here are some popular state pages that include pedestrian crossing signs practice questions: New York permit test practice, California permit test practice, Massachusetts permit test practice, Oregon permit test practice, Florida permit test practice. Or browse all 50 states + DC.
FAQ
How often do pedestrian crossing signs appear on the DMV permit test?
They show up on virtually every state’s permit test. Expect at least 1-3 questions on pedestrian crossing signs on a 25-question exam, more on longer exams.
What’s the most common mistake on pedestrian crossing signs questions?
The ‘unmarked crosswalk’ question.
Are pedestrian crossing signs the same in every state?
Mostly yes - sign shapes and colors are federally standardized through the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). State-specific rules layer on top, especially for fines, lane rules, and time-of-day variations.
Where can I practice questions about pedestrian crossing signs?
DMV Ready includes practice questions on pedestrian crossing signs for every state. Same exam format as your real DMV test.
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