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Current Pedestrian Laws |
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The laws listed below are current as of October 2005.
Pedestrian Laws
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Pedestrians may not cross the road against a “don’t walk” (solid upraised hand) signal. (TR § 21-203)
- Pedestrians may not begin crossing the road against a “wait” (flashing upraised hand) signal. (TR § 21-203)
- A pedestrian facing a green light may cross the road in any marked or unmarked crosswalk. (TR § 21-202)
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks. However, a pedestrian may not suddenly enter the roadway so that it is impossible for the driver of a vehicle to stop. (TR § 21-502)
- If a pedestrian crosses the road at any point other than at a crosswalk, the pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle. (TR § 21-503)
- A pedestrian may not cross the roadway between two intersections, where there are traffic signals, unless they cross in a marked crosswalk. (TR § 21-503)
- A pedestrian may not walk on a roadway where sidewalks are provided. (TR § 21-506)
- Where sidewalks are not provided a pedestrian must walk on the left, facing traffic. (TR § 21-506)
Motorist’s Laws Related to Pedestrians
- The driver of a vehicle shall stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the driver’s half of the roadway, or when the pedestrian is approaching within one lane of the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling. (TR § 21-502)
- The driver of a vehicle shall not pass another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. (TR § 21-502)
- The driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid hitting any pedestrian. (TR § 21-504)
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A driver shall drive at an appropriate, reduced speed when any special danger exists as to pedestrians. (TR § 21-801)
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Vehicles facing a circular green signal or turning on a green arrow signal shall yield to any pedestrian lawfully in the adjacent crosswalk. (TR § 21-202)
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Vehicles turning right on a red signal after stopping shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk. (TR § 21-202)
- Vehicles facing a circular red signal or red arrow signal shall stop at the stop line. If there is no marked stop line, then the vehicle shall stop before entering the crosswalk. (TR § 21-202)
- The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a blind, deaf, or mobility impaired pedestrian. (TR § 21-511)
Laws pertaining to pedestrians can be found in the Transportation section of the Maryland Annotated Code.
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