PennDot Pedestrian Safety

Whether you’re walking or driving, share equal respect. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you know the laws and follow the safety tips, you can drive safe and walk safe.

General Pedestrian Law

Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code details the rights and duties of pedestrians.
Generally, people walking may cross the street at any point, but pedestrians and motorists must understand their responsibilities. Below are the basic laws to follow when crossing the street or driving.

When a pedestrian crosses the street in a crosswalk, the driver must yield.

Drivers are not required to yield until you begin to step into the crosswalk.

Pedestrians should not walk or run unexpectedly into the path of a moving vehicle. Pedestrians should not assume drivers will see or yield. Look left, right, and left again before stepping out.

It is illegal for drivers to pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, as the second driver may not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

If a pedestrian crosses the street not at an intersection and there is no crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to vehicles.

When crossing the street at a signalized intersection, both pedestrians and motorists must obey the traffic-control devices.

These signs and signals help identify who must yield.

When walking along a road with sidewalks and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway.

For more tips for pedestrians and motorists, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/Pedestrian Safety.