Signs, signals and pavement markings
You are walking up to an intersection with traffic lights but no pedestrian signals. What should guide when you cross?
- The traffic signals for vehicles. Correct answer
- Nothing; drivers must yield, so cross as soon as you reach the curb.
- A pedestrian push button, which you must press before crossing.
Why
Where an intersection has no WALK or DON'T WALK signals, pedestrians follow the same lights as vehicles. Drivers do have to yield to pedestrians who may have the right-of-way at signals, but that does not let you step off the curb whatever the light says. A pedestrian push button belongs to intersections that have pedestrian signals, since its job is to activate the WALK signal. When you are the driver at an intersection like this, remember that the people waiting at the corner are reading your traffic light too.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is The traffic signals for vehicles.
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Pedestrian Signals or Signs › No Pedestrian Signals, page 35
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Pedestrian Signals or Signs › Pedestrian Push Button, page 35
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control, page 33
The rule behind this one
California road signs, signals and pavement markings goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- You come to a STOP sign at a corner that has no limit line and no crosswalk. Where should you stop?
- You are approaching a red YIELD sign. What does it require of you?
- Which warning signs are you required to obey?
- A sign shows a picture inside a red circle with a red line through it. What does it mean?