California driving lesson · Signals, Signs & Right-of-Way
Pedestrian signals, STOP & YIELD signs
A 3-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Pedestrian signals tell walkers when they may cross, but they matter to drivers too: you must yield to pedestrians even while DON'T WALK is flashing. STOP and YIELD signs tell you exactly where and how to stop.
Diagonal crossing: cross only when the WALK signal allows it
Know the rule
STOP sign: make a full stop before entering the crosswalk or at the limit line. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Check traffic in all directions before proceeding.
Your light turns green as the pedestrian signal switches to a flashing DON'T WALK, and a woman is still halfway across. Wait: drivers must yield to pedestrians even while DON'T WALK is flashing.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What does a flashing DON'T WALK or flashing raised hand signal mean?
You may start crossing if you hurry
The WALK signal is about to appear
Pedestrians may now cross diagonally
Do not start crossing; the signal is about to change
Answer: Do not start crossing; the signal is about to change
A flashing DON'T WALK signal means do not start crossing, as the light is about to change.
