Pedestrian Walking Across a WalkwayIn North Carolina, drivers and pedestrians must share the roads and obey our state’s traffic laws. This includes laws regarding when pedestrians have the right of way. A motorist ticketed for failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians can face harsh penalties and long-term consequences.

When Must Motorists Yield to Pedestrians in North Carolina?

Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the road in most circumstances. Here are some rules that must be followed:

  • If there are no traffic signals, pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
  • Both drivers and pedestrians must obey traffic signals.
  • Pedestrians crossing a street on a green light have the right of way.
  • If the light is turning from green to yellow or yellow to red and there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk, the driver must yield to him.
  • Blind pedestrians always have the right of way.
  • If an intersection is equipped with a “Walk” and “Do Not Walk” signal, the pedestrian has the right of way when they are crossing on a “Walk” signal even if they do not have a green light.
  • Pedestrians have the right of way when a flashing red light is installed somewhere other than an intersection, and drivers must stop and yield to them when they are in the crosswalk.
  • If there is a flashing yellow light somewhere other than an intersection, drivers must proceed with caution.

What Are the Penalties for Failing to Yield to a Pedestrian?

If you are ticketed for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian, you could be ordered to pay a $100 fine and other costs. In addition, four demerit points would be added to your driving record. This may result in your vehicle insurance rates increasing significantly. If you have too many demerit points on your driving record, you could also have your driver’s license suspended.

Have you Received a Traffic Citation in Charlotte, NC?

If you received a traffic citation, you need to speak with an experienced traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Charlotte office directly at 980.207.3355 to schedule your free consultation.

 

Howard W. Long, II
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Charlotte Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyer
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