News >  

May law of the month

Drivers must yield to pedestrians

With skyrocketing gas prices, many people are rediscovering that walking is a great way to cut fuel consumption and get much needed exercise, as well. But with more pedestrians crossing streets and busy intersections, motorists must keep in mind that Wisconsin law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in many situations.

According to state law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians:

• Who have started crossing an intersection or crosswalk on a walk signal or on a green light if there's no walk signal.

• Who are crossing the road within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there are no traffic lights or control signals.

• When a vehicle is crossing a sidewalk or entering an alley or driveway.

In addition, drivers may not legally overtake and pass any vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians at an intersection or crosswalk.

Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are legally crossing roadways may be issued citations that cost approximately $160 to $217 (depending on the type of violation) along with four demerit points assessed on their license. A citation for passing a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians costs $312 with three demerit points.

"Last year in Wisconsin, 52 pedestrians were killed and 1,349 were injured in traffic crashes," said State Patrol Superintendent David Collins. "To prevent needless deaths and injuries, drivers must slow down and pay attention, so they can safely yield to pedestrians. Drivers should be particularly alert in areas where children often cross roads, such as near schools, parks, playgrounds and residential neighborhoods. Pedestrians also must be cautious, and they should not suddenly move into the path of a vehicle that does not have sufficient time to yield."

For more information, contact Superintendent Collins of the Wisconsin State Patrol Division Headquarters in Madison at (608) 266-3212 or your local State Patrol regional office.

Previous "Laws of the Month"

Questions about the content of this page:
Steve L. Olson, steven.olson@dot.state.wi.us 
Last modified: April 30, 2008