Laws regarding when drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the motor vehicle code, traffic code, or transportation code, for example. Cities and towns (municipalities) may also have local laws (ordinances) that govern when and where pedestrians or drivers have the right of way.

Although laws vary from state to state, in most states:

• Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

• Drivers must yield to a pedestrian crossing on a sidewalk in front of an alley, building, driveway, or private road.

• Drivers must yield to a pedestrian crossing the street and approaching the driver’s half of the roadway.

And in most states:

• Pedestrians must yield the right of way to motor vehicles if the pedestrian is crossing anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

• When there are traffic lights present, pedestrians may only cross when there is a flashing walk signal (often showing the seconds remaining in the walk period).

In Virginia, the laws regarding the right of way for pedestrians are outlined in the Virginia Code, specifically within the motor vehicle and traffic codes. Drivers in Virginia are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians at all marked crosswalks and any unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Additionally, drivers must yield to pedestrians when they are crossing a driveway, alley, or building entrance when the pedestrian is on the sidewalk. If a pedestrian is crossing the street and is on the same half of the roadway as the driver or approaching so closely from the opposite half to be in danger, the driver must yield. Conversely, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing the road at any point that is not a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Furthermore, when traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians must adhere to the signals and only cross during the designated walk phase indicated by a walk signal. Local municipalities may also have specific ordinances that govern pedestrian right of way, which should be observed in addition to state statutes.