Rules for pedestrians (1 to 35)

Rules for pedestrians, including general guidance, crossing the road, crossings, and situations needing extra care.

General guidance (rules 1 to 6)

Rule 1

Pavements and footways (including any path along the side of a road) should be used if provided. Where possible, avoid being next to the kerb with your back to the traffic. If you have to step into the road, look both ways first. Always remain aware of your environment and avoid unnecessary distractions. Always show due care and consideration for others.

Rule 2

If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and

be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light
keep close to the side of the road.

It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend.

Rule 3

Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry something light-coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (eg armbands, sashes, waistcoats, jackets, footwear), which can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times as far away as non-reflective materials.

Rule 3: Help yourself to be seen

Rule 4

Young children should not be out alone on the pavement or road (see Rule 7). When taking children out, keep between them and the traffic and hold their hands firmly. Strap very young children into pushchairs or use reins. When pushing a young child in a buggy, do not push the buggy into the road when checking to see if it is clear to cross, particularly from between parked vehicles.

Rule 5

Organised walks or parades involving large groups of people walking along a road should use a pavement if available; if one is not available, they should keep to the left. Look-outs should be positioned at the front and back of the group, and they should wear fluorescent clothes in daylight and reflective clothes in the dark. At night, the look-out in front should show a white light and the one at the back a red light. People on the outside of large groups should also carry lights and wear reflective clothing.

Rule 6

Motorways. Pedestrians MUST NOT be on motorways or slip roads except in an emergency (see Rules 272 and 277).

Crossing the road (rules 7 to 17)

Rule 7

The Green Cross Code. The advice given below on crossing the road is for all pedestrians. Children should be taught the Code and should not be allowed out alone until they can understand and use it properly. The age when they can do this is different for each child. Many children cannot judge how fast vehicles are going or how far away they are. Children learn by example, so parents and carers should always use the Code in full when out with their children. They are responsible for deciding at what age children can use it safely by themselves.

A First find a safe place to cross and where there is space to reach the pavement on the other side. Where there is a crossing nearby, use it. It is safer to cross using a subway, a footbridge, an island, a zebra, pelican, toucan or puffin crossing, or where there is a crossing point controlled by a police officer, a school crossing patrol or a traffic warden. Otherwise choose a place where you can see clearly in all directions. Try to avoid crossing between parked cars (see Rule 14), on a blind bend, or close to the brow of a hill. Move to a space where drivers and riders can see you clearly. Do not cross the road diagonally.

Rule 7: Look all around and listen for traffic before crossing

B Stop just before you get to the kerb, where you can see if anything is coming. Do not get too close to the traffic. If there’s no pavement, keep back from the edge of the road but make sure you can still see approaching traffic.

C Look all around for traffic and listen. Traffic could come from any direction. Listen as well, because you can sometimes hear traffic before you see it.

D If traffic is coming, let it pass. Look all around again and listen. Do not cross until there is a safe gap in the traffic and you are certain that there is plenty of time. Remember, even if traffic is a long way off, it may be approaching very quickly.

E When it is safe, go straight across the road – do not run. Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross, in case there is any traffic you did not see, or in case other traffic appears suddenly. Look out for cyclists and motorcyclists travelling between lanes of traffic. Do not walk diagonally across the road.

Rule 8

At a junction. When you are crossing or waiting to cross the road, other traffic should give way. Look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you, and cross at a place where drivers can see you. If you have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way (see Rules H2 and 170).

Rule 9

Pedestrian Safety Barriers. Where there are barriers, cross the road only at the gaps provided for pedestrians. Do not climb over the barriers or walk between them and the road.

Rule 10

Tactile paving. Raised surfaces that can be felt underfoot provide warning and guidance to blind or partially sighted people. The most common surfaces are a series of raised studs, which are used at crossing points with a dropped kerb, or a series of rounded raised bars which are used at level crossings, at the top and bottom of steps and at some other hazards.

Rule 11

One-way streets. Check which way the traffic is moving. Do not cross until it is safe to do so without stopping. Bus and cycle lanes may operate in the opposite direction to the rest of the traffic.

Rule 12

Bus and cycle lanes. Take care when crossing these lanes as traffic may be moving faster than in the other lanes, or against the flow of traffic.

Rule 13

Routes shared with cyclists. Cycle tracks may run alongside footpaths or pavements and be separated from them by a feature such as a change of material, a verge, a kerb or a white line. Such routes may also incorporate short lengths of tactile paving to help visually impaired people stay on the correct side. On the pedestrian side this may comprise a series of flat-topped bars running across the direction of travel (ladder pattern). On the cyclist side the same bars are orientated in the direction of travel (tramline pattern).

Some routes shared with cyclists will not be separated by such a feature allowing cyclists and pedestrians to share the same space. Cyclists should respect your safety (see Rule 62) but you should also take care not to obstruct or endanger them. Always remain aware of your environment and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Where signs indicate, some routes are shared between pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles. Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles should respect your safety, but you should take care not to obstruct or endanger them. Always remain aware of your environment and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Rule 14

Parked vehicles. If you have to cross between parked vehicles, use the outside edges of the vehicles as if they were the kerb. Stop there and make sure you can see all around and that the traffic can see you. Make sure there is a gap between any parked vehicles on the other side, so you can reach the pavement. Never cross the road in front of, or behind, any vehicle with its engine running, especially a large vehicle, as the driver may not be able to see you.

Rule 15

Reversing vehicles. Never cross behind a vehicle which is reversing, showing white reversing lights or sounding a warning.

Rule 16

Moving vehicles. You MUST NOT get onto or hold onto a moving vehicle.

Rule 17

At night. Wear something reflective to make it easier for others to see you (see Rule 3). If there is no pedestrian crossing nearby, cross the road near a street light so that traffic can see you more easily.

Crossings (rules 18 to 30)

Rule 18

At all crossings. When using any type of crossing you should

always check that the traffic has stopped before you start to cross or push a pram onto a crossing
always cross between the studs or over the zebra markings. Do not cross at the side of the crossing or on the zig-zag lines, as it can be dangerous.

You MUST NOT loiter on any type of crossing.

Rule 19

Zebra crossings. Give traffic plenty of time to see you and to stop before you start to cross. Vehicles will need more time when the road is slippery. Wait until traffic has stopped from both directions or the road is clear before crossing. Remember that traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing. Drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross and MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing (see Rule H2). Keep looking both ways, and listening, in case a driver or rider has not seen you and attempts to overtake a vehicle that has stopped.

Rule 19: Zebra crossings have flashing beacons

A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings (see Rule 20).

Rule 20

Where there is an island in the middle of a zebra crossing, wait on the island and follow Rule 19 before you cross the second half of the road - it is a separate crossing.

Rule 20: Zebra crossings with a central island are two separate crossings

Rule 21

At traffic lights. There may be special signals for pedestrians. You should only start to cross the road when the green figure shows. If you have started to cross the road and the green figure goes out, you should still have time to reach the other side, but do not delay. If no pedestrian signals have been provided, watch carefully and do not cross until the traffic lights are red and the traffic has stopped. Keep looking and check for traffic that may be turning the corner. Remember that traffic lights may let traffic move in some lanes while traffic in other lanes has stopped.

Rule 21: At traffic lights, puffin and pelican crossings. *At pelican crossings only.

Rule 22

Pelican crossings. These are signal-controlled crossings operated by pedestrians. Push the control button to activate the traffic signals. When the red figure shows, do not cross. When a steady green figure shows, check the traffic has stopped then cross with care. When the green figure begins to flash you should not start to cross. If you have already started you should have time to finish crossing safely.

Rule 23

Puffin crossings differ from pelican crossings as the red and green figures are above the control box on your side of the road and there is no flashing green figure phase. Press the button and wait for the green figure to show.

Rule 24

When the road is congested, traffic on your side of the road may be forced to stop even though their lights are green. Traffic may still be moving on the other side of the road, so press the button and wait for the signal to cross.

Rule 25

Toucan crossings are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time. They are push-button operated. Pedestrians and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are permitted to ride across.

Rule 25: Toucan crossings can be used by both cyclists and pedestrians

Rule 26

At some crossings there is a bleeping sound or voice signal to indicate to blind or partially sighted people when the steady green figure is showing, and there may be a tactile signal to help deafblind people.

Rule 27

Equestrian crossings are for horse riders. They have pavement barriers, wider crossing spaces, horse and rider figures in the light panels and either two sets of controls (one higher), or just one higher control panel.

Rule 27: Equestrian crossings are used by horse riders. There is often a parallel crossing

Rule 28

Staggered’ pelican or puffin crossings. When the crossings on each side of the central refuge are not in line they are two separate crossings. On reaching the central island, press the button again and wait for a steady green figure.

Rule 28: Staggered crossings (with an island in the middle) are two separate crossings

Rule 29

Crossings controlled by an authorised person. Do not cross the road unless you are signalled to do so by a police officer, traffic warden or school crossing patrol. Always cross in front of them.

Rule 30

Where there are no controlled crossing points available it is advisable to cross where there is an island in the middle of the road. Use the Green Cross Code (see Rule 7) to cross to the island and then stop and use it again to cross the second half of the road.

Situations needing extra care (rules 31 to 35)

Rule 31

Emergency vehicles. If an ambulance, fire engine, police or other emergency vehicle approaches using flashing blue lights, headlights and/or sirens, keep off the road.

Rule 32

Buses. Get on or off a bus only when it has stopped to allow you to do so. Watch out for cyclists when you are getting off. Never cross the road directly behind or in front of a bus. Wait until it has moved off and you can see clearly in both directions.

Rule 33

Tramways. These may run through pedestrian areas. Their path will be marked out by shallow kerbs, changes in the paving or other road surface, white lines or yellow dots. Cross at designated crossings where provided. Elsewhere treat trams as you would other road vehicles and look both ways along the track before crossing. Do not walk along the track as trams may come up behind you. Trams move quietly and cannot steer to avoid you.

Rule 34

Railway level crossings. You MUST NOT cross or pass a stop line when the red lights show, (including a red pedestrian figure). Also do not cross if an alarm is sounding or the barriers are being lowered. The tone of the alarm may change if another train is approaching. If there are no lights, alarms or barriers, stop, look both ways and listen before crossing. A tactile surface comprising rounded bars running across the direction of pedestrian travel may be installed on the footpath approaching a level crossing to warn visually impaired people of its presence. The tactile surface should extend across the full width of the footway and should be located at an appropriate distance from the barrier or projected line of the barrier.

Rule 35

Street and pavement repairs. A pavement may be closed temporarily because it is not safe to use. Take extra care if you are directed to walk in or to cross the road.

Author's Explanation

Understanding Pedestrian Rules 1–6

The first pedestrian rules in the Highway Code explain how to stay safe whenever you are walking near traffic. Using pavements where they are available, staying alert and making yourself easy for drivers to see can greatly reduce the risk of collisions. Even short walks require awareness, particularly in poor weather, at night or on roads without dedicated footpaths.

When there is no pavement, pedestrians should face oncoming traffic by walking on the right-hand side of the road. This improves visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, making it easier to react if a vehicle approaches. Parents, carers and organised groups should also take extra precautions to protect children and anyone walking together.

One of the most important legal rules is that pedestrians must not use motorways or motorway slip roads except in genuine emergencies. These roads are designed for high-speed traffic and are extremely dangerous for anyone on foot.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: While walking along a country road without a pavement, you stay on the right-hand side so you can clearly see approaching vehicles and move aside if necessary.

Example 2: On a winter evening, you wear a reflective jacket and light-coloured clothing, making it much easier for drivers to spot you from a distance.

Example 3: A parent walks closest to the road while holding a child's hand, helping to keep the child away from passing traffic before crossing safely.

Example 4: During a charity walk, marshals wear high-visibility clothing and position themselves at the front and rear of the group so approaching drivers receive clear warning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should pedestrians walk on the right-hand side of the road when there is no pavement?

Walking on the right-hand side allows you to face approaching traffic. This gives both you and drivers more time to react, especially on narrow rural roads where there is little space.

What should I wear when walking at night?

Reflective clothing, accessories or footwear help drivers notice you much earlier than dark clothing. Bright colours are also useful during poor daylight conditions.

Why should adults walk nearest the traffic when accompanying children?

Standing between children and moving traffic provides extra protection and makes it easier to stop a child from stepping into the road unexpectedly.

Are pedestrians allowed on motorways?

No. Pedestrians must not use motorways or motorway slip roads except in emergencies. High traffic speeds and limited visibility make these roads extremely dangerous for people on foot.

Why is staying alert while walking so important?

Paying attention to your surroundings helps you notice approaching vehicles, cyclists and other hazards. Avoiding unnecessary distractions gives you more time to react and make safe decisions.

Author's Explanation

Understanding Crossing the Road Rules (Rules 7–17)

Rules 7–17 explain how pedestrians should cross roads safely in different situations. The Green Cross Code remains the foundation of safe road crossing in the UK, encouraging pedestrians to stop, look, listen and only cross when there is enough time to do so safely. Even where drivers are expected to give way, you should never assume every vehicle has seen you.

Extra care is needed at junctions, near parked vehicles, on one-way streets and around bus or cycle lanes. Visibility can be limited and traffic may approach from unexpected directions. Taking a few extra moments to choose a safer crossing point can significantly reduce the risk of an accident.

These rules also remind pedestrians to stay visible after dark, avoid stepping behind reversing vehicles and remain aware of cyclists and other road users on shared paths. Safe crossing depends on both careful observation and good judgement.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: Instead of crossing between parked cars, you walk a little further to a place where both you and approaching drivers have a clear view of each other.

Example 2: At a side road, you notice a vehicle preparing to turn. Although pedestrians may have priority in this situation, you make eye contact with the driver and ensure they are slowing before crossing.

Example 3: While crossing near a bus stop, you wait until the bus has moved away rather than stepping into the road where your view is blocked.

Example 4: On a dark evening, you choose a well-lit crossing point and wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you much earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Green Cross Code?

The Green Cross Code is a simple safety routine that encourages pedestrians to find a safe place, stop, look, listen and only cross when there is a safe gap in traffic. It remains one of the most important road safety principles in the Highway Code.

Do pedestrians always have priority at junctions?

Drivers turning into or out of a junction should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross. However, pedestrians should still check carefully that vehicles are slowing or stopping before stepping into the road.

Why is crossing between parked cars dangerous?

Parked vehicles can hide both pedestrians and approaching traffic. Drivers may not see you until the last moment, leaving very little time to stop safely.

Should I cross behind a reversing vehicle?

No. If a vehicle is reversing, displaying reversing lights or giving an audible warning, wait until it has completely finished the manoeuvre before crossing.

How can I stay safer when crossing at night?

Wear reflective clothing where possible and choose well-lit crossing points. Bright lighting helps drivers see pedestrians sooner, especially during poor weather or reduced visibility.

Author's Explanation

Understanding Pedestrian Crossings (Rules 18–30)

The Highway Code explains several types of pedestrian crossings used across the UK, including zebra, pelican, puffin, toucan and equestrian crossings. Although each crossing works slightly differently, the basic principle is always the same: make sure it is safe before stepping into the road and continue paying attention while crossing.

Traffic signals and road markings are designed to improve safety, but they do not remove the need to look carefully for approaching vehicles. Drivers may fail to stop, cyclists may still be moving nearby and traffic in other lanes may continue even when one lane has stopped.

Different crossings are designed for different road users. Learning how each one operates helps pedestrians make safer decisions and avoid confusion, particularly on busy roads or unfamiliar routes.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: You arrive at a zebra crossing and wait until vehicles in both directions have clearly stopped before stepping onto the crossing.

Example 2: At a pelican crossing, the green figure begins flashing before you reach the other side. Because you already started crossing, you continue safely without rushing.

Example 3: A road has a central refuge island. You treat each half of the crossing separately, checking traffic again before crossing the second carriageway.

Example 4: You use a toucan crossing where cyclists and pedestrians share the crossing space, remaining aware of people cycling through at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to look for traffic when using a pedestrian crossing?

Yes. Even at controlled crossings, you should check that traffic has stopped before crossing and continue watching for vehicles while you cross.

What is the difference between a pelican and a puffin crossing?

A pelican crossing uses a flashing green phase, while a puffin crossing displays the pedestrian signals beside the push button and does not use a flashing green signal.

What is a toucan crossing?

A toucan crossing is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists are allowed to ride across while pedestrians and cyclists receive the green signal together.

Why are some crossings divided by a central island?

Where a refuge island separates the road, each half is treated as a separate crossing. You should stop on the island if necessary and check traffic again before continuing.

Can I wait on a pedestrian crossing?

No. You should not remain standing or waiting on any type of pedestrian crossing. Cross promptly once it is safe to do so.

Author's Explanation

Situations Needing Extra Care (Rules 31–35) Explained

Some situations require pedestrians to be even more cautious than usual. Emergency vehicles, buses, trams, railway crossings and temporary roadworks all create hazards that can change quickly. Staying alert and avoiding unnecessary risks helps keep both pedestrians and other road users safe.

Large vehicles can block your view of the road, while trams and trains cannot easily stop or change direction to avoid pedestrians. At level crossings, warning lights, alarms and barriers should always be obeyed, even if no train is immediately visible.

Temporary diversions around roadworks may also require pedestrians to use unfamiliar routes or cross busy roads. Follow signs carefully, remain aware of traffic and never assume drivers or machinery operators can always see you.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: You hear a police car approaching with blue lights and a siren. Instead of crossing the road, you wait on the pavement until the emergency vehicle has passed safely.

Example 2: After getting off a bus, you remain on the pavement until the bus moves away, giving you a clear view of traffic before crossing the road.

Example 3: At a railway level crossing, the warning lights begin flashing. Even though you cannot yet see a train, you stop and wait until the crossing is fully open again.

Example 4: A pavement is closed because of roadworks. You follow the signed diversion and cross only where it is safe rather than walking through the work area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do when an emergency vehicle approaches?

Stay off the road and allow the emergency vehicle to pass safely. Do not begin crossing until you are sure the road is clear and there are no additional emergency vehicles following behind.

Why shouldn't I cross immediately in front of or behind a bus?

A bus can completely block your view of approaching traffic, and drivers may not be able to see you. Waiting until the bus has moved away provides much better visibility.

Why are railway level crossings so dangerous?

Trains travel at high speeds and cannot stop quickly. Always obey warning lights, alarms and barriers, even if the tracks appear clear.

How should I cross near tram tracks?

Use designated crossings whenever possible. Look carefully in both directions, as trams can approach quietly and are unable to steer around pedestrians.

What should I do if a pavement is closed for roadworks?

Follow the signed diversion or temporary pedestrian route. Take extra care when walking close to traffic or construction vehicles, and avoid entering restricted work areas.