Pedestrian Crossing Sign: When to Yield to People on Foot
The pedestrian crossing sign is a diamond, usually fluorescent yellow-green, with a walking person. It warns that pedestrians may cross the road ahead, often at a marked crosswalk. Slow down, be ready to stop, and yield to anyone in the crosswalk; many states require you to stop and stay stopped until the person is out of your half of the road or farther.
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Pedestrian crossing quiz: 3 test-style questions
- A car in the lane next to you has stopped at a crosswalk. You should: Pass it carefully / Stop too, because a pedestrian may be crossing in front of it / Honk and continue / Change lanes to go around it. Answer: Stop too, because a pedestrian may be crossing in front of it. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. It may be stopped for a pedestrian you cannot see. Most states make passing it illegal.
- Do drivers have to yield to pedestrians at an unmarked crosswalk? No, only at painted crosswalks / Yes; most intersections have legal unmarked crosswalks / Only if a police officer is present / Only children. Answer: Yes; most intersections have legal unmarked crosswalks. At most intersections, the extension of the sidewalk across the street is a legal crosswalk even without paint. Yield to pedestrians there.
- A diamond pedestrian sign with a small downward-pointing arrow plaque below it means: Pedestrians are not allowed to cross here / The crosswalk is at this location / The crosswalk is one mile ahead / Pedestrians must use a bridge. Answer: The crosswalk is at this location. The diagonal arrow plaque marks the crossing itself. An AHEAD plaque or a distance plaque is used for the advance warning.
What the pedestrian crossing sign means
The Pedestrian Crossing sign (MUTCD W11-2) is a diamond-shaped warning sign with the black symbol of a walking person. It is usually fluorescent yellow-green, a color the MUTCD allows for pedestrian, bicycle and school signs because it is highly visible; some areas still use standard yellow. It warns that people may cross the road ahead.
Two plaques change its meaning slightly. An AHEAD or distance plaque means the crossing is coming up. A small downward diagonal arrow plaque means the crossing is right here. Some crossings also have flashing beacons that pedestrians activate with a push button.
What to do, step by step
- Slow down and scan both sidewalks and the crosswalk.
- Yield to any pedestrian in the crosswalk or about to enter it. Many states require a full stop.
- Stop behind the stop or yield line if there is one, so drivers in other lanes can see the pedestrian too.
- Wait until the pedestrian has crossed your lane and, where state law says so, the lane next to it or the whole road.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, and do not honk or rush the pedestrian.
Test traps
Rules differ by state: some require drivers to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, others to yield, and they define differently how far the pedestrian must be before you go. The safe answer on any test is to stop and wait until the person is well clear. Also remember that a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog always has the right-of-way. Do not confuse this sign with the school crossing sign, which is a five-sided pentagon showing two children.
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. At night, they are much harder to see: slow down near crosswalks, bus stops and busy sidewalks.
Where you see it
You will see it at mid-block crosswalks, near parks, shopping areas, transit stops, trails crossing roads, and on rural highways passing through small towns. In some cities, a small in-street sign between the lanes reminds drivers that state law requires yielding to pedestrians.
Related signs
Review the school zone sign, the school crossing sign and the yield sign. Our right-of-way guide explains pedestrian rules in more detail.
Pedestrian crossing sign FAQ
Why are some pedestrian signs fluorescent yellow-green?
The MUTCD allows fluorescent yellow-green for pedestrian, bicycle and school warning signs because the color stands out, especially at dawn and dusk.
Do I have to stop or just yield for a pedestrian in a crosswalk?
It depends on your state. Many require a full stop. In every state, you must let the pedestrian cross safely, so plan to stop.
Can I go once the pedestrian has passed my lane?
In some states, yes, once they are out of your half of the road; in others you must wait until they reach the curb. Check your state handbook and always wait until they are safely clear.
What does the arrow plaque under the sign mean?
A downward diagonal arrow marks the exact location of the crosswalk. An AHEAD plaque means the crosswalk is coming up.
Official sources
- FHWA — Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- NHTSA — Pedestrian safety
- IIHS — Pedestrians and bicyclists
Keep studying
- School crossing sign
- School zone sign
- Yield sign
- Right-of-way rules
- All U.S. road signs
- Practice tests by topic