Pedestrian crossing sign
What the Pedestrian crossing sign means: You must give way to any pedestrian on the crossing and be ready to stop before it.
- Group
- Regulatory signs
- Does this group carry the law
- Enforceable. Disobeying one is an offence in itself.
- In the sign deck
- 3 questions ask about this sign
What to do when you see it
- Slow on the approach so you can stop if someone steps on.
- Give way to anyone on the crossing, and to anyone who has clearly started to step onto it.
- Stop before the crossing, not on it, and leave it clear even in queued traffic.
- Do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at the crossing, because it is stopped for someone you cannot see.
Where you see it
Across roads near schools, shopping strips, station entrances and car park exits, usually with white stripes painted on the road and flashing yellow lights or striped posts at either side.
Across the states and territories
The give way duty is national. What differs is the mix of crossing types each jurisdiction favours: some use more signalised crossings, some more marked foot crossings, and Melbourne adds tram stops where passengers step straight onto the road.
Tell it apart from these
- Pedestrian crossingthis pagePedestrians ahead
The yellow diamond is a warning that people cross somewhere along here. The crossing sign marks the crossing itself, where you must give way.
Pedestrians ahead: People often cross the road here on foot, so slow down and look out for them.
- Pedestrian crossingthis pageChildren ahead
Children ahead warns about a specific group near a school or a park. The crossing sign is about a marked place on the road.
Children ahead: Children may be near or on the road here, so slow down and be ready for them to step out.
How the knowledge tests use it
The overtaking rule is the part that catches people out. A vehicle stopped at a crossing is never something to go around.
What does this sign mean?
This sign marks a crossing, usually with white stripes on the road. Anyone on the crossing has priority over vehicles.
Australian Road Rules rule 81, giving way at a pedestrian crossing
Common questions
- What does the Pedestrian crossing sign mean?
- You must give way to any pedestrian on the crossing and be ready to stop before it.
- What should you do when you see a Pedestrian crossing sign?
- Slow on the approach so you can stop if someone steps on. Give way to anyone on the crossing, and to anyone who has clearly started to step onto it. Stop before the crossing, not on it, and leave it clear even in queued traffic. Do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at the crossing, because it is stopped for someone you cannot see.
- Where is the Pedestrian crossing sign used?
- Across roads near schools, shopping strips, station entrances and car park exits, usually with white stripes painted on the road and flashing yellow lights or striped posts at either side.
- What is the Pedestrian crossing sign confused with?
- Pedestrians ahead: The yellow diamond is a warning that people cross somewhere along here. The crossing sign marks the crossing itself, where you must give way. Children ahead: Children ahead warns about a specific group near a school or a park. The crossing sign is about a marked place on the road.
- How do the knowledge tests ask about the Pedestrian crossing sign?
- The overtaking rule is the part that catches people out. A vehicle stopped at a crossing is never something to go around.
Try it in a question
Original practice questions, not the official bank. How we write and check them.
More regulatory signs
Mostly white with red or black, and usually round or rectangular.