A 3-minute lesson from the Nevada course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Pedestrians must obey signals too, and WALK/DON'T WALK lights tell them when they may start and when they must finish. Knowing these rules helps you predict who is about to step into the street.
Pedestrians facing traffic lights:
Red — don't cross unless a pedestrian signal or officer directs otherwise
Yellow — don't start across unless a crosswalk signal or officer directs
Green — may cross unless a pedestrian signal or officer directs otherwise
Green turn arrow — don't cross unless a pedestrian signal or officer allows it
Your light turns green as the pedestrian signal beside you shows a flashing DON'T WALK with a 6-second countdown. A pedestrian may still start across, so watch for her and wait until she clears your path before you turn.
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.
A steady DON'T WALK (upraised hand) signal is lit. A pedestrian waiting at the curb may:
Start crossing if no cars are coming
Not begin crossing the roadway
Start if a countdown timer shows
Cross only in a marked crosswalk
Answer: Not begin crossing the roadway
While a steady DON'T WALK or upraised hand is lit, a pedestrian may not start across; those already crossing must reach safety.
