What Are Georgia’s Pedestrian Laws?

Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. And with the milder weather more people will be heading out to walk, jog and enjoy the out of doors. Due to the lack of sidewalks in many areas, pedestrians are common on many Georgia roadways. Unfortunately, many drivers do not know how to properly respond when pedestrians are near the roadway. Even fewer know what Georgia law has to say about pedestrians, which is why we have created this article: “What Are Georgia’s Pedestrian Laws?” Read on to learn more about Georgia’s laws and how to keep you, your passengers, and pedestrians safe on Georgia roadways.

What Are Georgia’s Pedestrian Laws?

Learning more about Georgia’s pedestrian laws could help drivers avoid a ticket or lawsuit, and may even save someone’s life. It can also help pedestrians understand how to obey the law and do their part to make Georgia’s roadways safer. Here is a brief summary of Georgia’s pedestrian laws:

• Right of Way in Crosswalks (40-6-91): Drivers must stop when pedestrians are in a crosswalk and must remain stopped until the pedestrian has exited the crosswalk. Drivers are prohibited from overtaking (passing) other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. Pedestrians are prohibited from entering a crosswalk in the path of an oncoming vehicle or against traffic signals.
• Crossing the Road Outside of Crosswalks (40-6-92): Pedestrians crossing a road outside a marked crosswalk must yield the right of way to vehicles. Pedestrians must use crosswalks if available and not walk outside crosswalks (jaywalking). Pedestrians and drivers must obey traffic signals and yield to one another as the law mandates.
• Pedestrian Control Signals (40-6-22): Pedestrians must obey WALK and DON’T WALK signals. If the signal changes during crossing, pedestrians should complete crossing as safely as possible. Drivers should continue to yield until all pedestrians have completed crossing the road.
• Emerging from Driveway, Alley, or Building (40-6-144): Drivers emerging from a driveway, alley, or building must stop before crossing a sidewalk or entering the street. Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians on a sidewalk and are prohibited from driving on a sidewalk.
• Standing, or Stopping or Parking a Vehicle (40-6-203): Drivers and pedestrians are prohibited from standing, or stopping or parking a vehicle, on a roadway, curb, sidewalk, crosswalk, or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant unless they are in compliance with the law or instructions of a police officer.
• If There are No Sidewalks (40-6-96): Where no sidewalks or shoulder is provided, pedestrians are required to walk on the left side of the roadway.

As you can see, Georgia’s pedestrian laws are a two-way street. Drivers and pedestrians both have the responsibility of knowing the law and obeying it.

Have Questions about Georgia’s Pedestrian Laws?

If you have questions about Georgia’s pedestrian laws or have been involved in a pedestrian-auto accident, contact the Giannini Law Office to learn more. We can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, whether you were injured in an accident or have been accused of causing one. Call our office today at (770) 637-5505 to schedule a free case evaluation.