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Pedestrians & Crosswalks

Stop for Pedestrians in the Crosswalks —
It's the Law!

Stop For Pedestrians Sign

MOTORISTS in New Jersey MUST stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. Failure to observe the law may subject you to one or more of the following:

  • 2 Point License Penalty;
  • $200 Fine (Plus Court Costs);
  • 15 Days Community Service;
  • Insurance Surcharges.

State Regulations
 

NEW JERSEY STATUTE 39:4-36
Driver to stop for pedestrian: exceptions, violations. penalties.

The driver of a vehicle must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk, but shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except at crosswalks when the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals, or where otherwise prohibited by municipal, county, or State regulation, and except where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided, but no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

Whenever any vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. A person violating this section shall, upon conviction thereof, pay a fine to be imposed by the court in the amount of $200. The court may also impose a term of community service not to exceed 15 days. Of each fine imposed and collected pursuant to subsection B. of the section, $100 shall be forwarded to the State Treasurer who shall annually deposit the moneys into the "Pedestrian Safety Enforcement and Education Fund" created by section 1 of PL 2005, c 84 (C.39:4-36.2).

PEDESTRIANS MUST
obey pedestrian signals and use crosswalks at signalized intersections. 
Both carry a $54.00 fine for failure to observe the law. 
(C.39:4-32 and 33)

Pedestrians

Important Information

Pedestrians:

  • Always cross at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
  • If crossing in other locations, yield the right of way to vehicles. Failure to obey the law carries a $54 fine (court costs additional; C.39:4-32, 33).
  • Look left, right and left again before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
  • Always walk facing traffic.
  • Obey traffic signals, especially "Walk/Don’t Walk".
  • Remain alert! Don’t assume that cars are going to stop.
  • Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.
  • Stay sober. Walking while impaired greatly increases your chances of being struck.

Motorists:

  • Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Failure to stop carries a $200 (court costs additional) fine, a 2 point license penalty, 15 days community service, and insurance surcharges (C.39:4-36).
  • Watch for pedestrians when turning right on red.
  • Obey speed limits.
  • Do not block or park in crosswalks.
  • Keep your windshield clean for maximum visibility.
  • Be alert for pedestrian at all times.

Children:

  • Cross at intersections only.
  • Never cross from in-between parked cars.
  • Before crossing, look left, right and left again and listen for traffic.
  • Always walk facing traffic.
  • Wear light colored or reflective clothing at night.
  • If there is no sidewalk available, walk as far off the roadway as possible on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals.

Seniors:

  • Walk on sidewalks and cross only at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
  • If crossing in other locations, yield the right of way to vehicles.
  • Failure to obey the law carries a $54 fine (court costs additional; C.39:4-32, 33).
  • Always walk facing traffic.
  • Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, especially at night.
  • Look left, right and left again before crossing and be on the lookout for turning vehicles.
  • Make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of a vehicle.
  • Learn the proper use of "Walk/Don’t Walk" signals.
  • Use the buddy system.
  • Walk and cross with others when possible.
  • If possible do not walk at night or during bad weather such as snow, rain or ice.

Children and senior citizens are at a higher risk of being struck by a motor vehicle. Special emphasis must be made to educate children and seniors about the importance of walking safely.