New York Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws: A Complete Guide to Crosswalk Rules and Your Legal Rights
Navigating New York City streets as a pedestrian can feel overwhelming. Between rushing taxis, delivery trucks making tight turns, and crowded intersections, understanding your rights under New York pedestrian right-of-way laws is critical for your safety and protection.
Whether you were injured in a pedestrian accident or simply want to understand the rules of the road, this guide explains crosswalk rules, driver responsibilities, and how fault is determined when accidents occur.
Understanding New York Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
New York pedestrian right-of-way laws are primarily governed by the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), specifically Article 27. These laws establish when pedestrians have priority over vehicles and what responsibilities both pedestrians and drivers must follow to prevent accidents.
VTL Section 1151: The Foundation of Pedestrian Rights
VTL Section 1151 forms the cornerstone of New York pedestrian right-of-way laws. This statute requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk when traffic-control signals are not present or not operating. The law states that drivers must slow down or stop as needed to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
However, the law also includes important limitations. Pedestrians cannot suddenly leave a curb or place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close it becomes impractical for the driver to yield. This creates a balanced approach where both pedestrians and drivers share responsibility for safety.
Marked vs. Unmarked Crosswalks: Your Rights Extend Beyond Painted Lines
Many New Yorkers don’t realize that crosswalks exist even without painted lines.
| Crosswalk Type | Definition | Your Rights |
| Marked Crosswalk | Clearly painted white stripes across the street | Full pedestrian right-of-way at intersections |
| Unmarked Crosswalk | Imaginary extension of sidewalks across the street at any intersection | Same protection as marked crosswalks |
Crosswalk Rules and Traffic Signals
Understanding how traffic signals affect New York pedestrian right-of-way laws helps you know when you have priority and when drivers do.
When You Have the “Walk” Signal
When the pedestrian signal displays “Walk” or shows a walking figure:
- You have the clear right-of-way.
- Drivers must yield, including those making turns.
- This is one of the strongest protections under New York pedestrian right-of-way laws.
Turning Vehicles: A Common Accident Scenario
One of the most dangerous situations pedestrians face occurs when vehicles make turns at intersections.
VTL Section 1112 Requirements:
- Turning vehicles must yield to pedestrians lawfully within any crosswalk (marked or unmarked).
- This applies whether the vehicle is turning right or left.
- Even when a driver has a green light to turn, if you are crossing with the “Walk” signal, the driver must wait.
Trucks may have a green light, but pedestrians still have the right-of-way when crossing with the signal. The combination of a turning truck and pedestrians in the crosswalk has led to numerous serious accidents across New York City. Truck drivers must exercise extra caution and ensure the crosswalk is clear before completing their turn.
The “Don’t Walk” Signal and Mid-Block Crossing
| Your Action | Legal Requirement | VTL Section |
| Crossing against “Don’t Walk” signal | You must yield right-of-way to all vehicles | VTL § 1151 |
| Crossing outside marked/unmarked crosswalk (jaywalking) | You must yield right-of-way to all vehicles | VTL § 1152 |
Driver Responsibilities Under New York Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
While pedestrians must follow certain rules, drivers bear significant responsibilities under New York law to prevent pedestrian accidents.
The Duty to Yield at Crosswalks
Drivers approaching any crosswalk must:
- Be prepared to yield to pedestrians.
- Never overtake and pass a stopped vehicle that is yielding to a pedestrian.
- Maintain visual awareness of all crosswalks (marked and unmarked).
Why the passing rule matters: When a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, it may block another driver’s view of a crossing pedestrian. VTL Section 1151 prohibits overtaking stopped vehicles to prevent these accidents.
Yielding When Entering or Exiting Driveways
VTL Section 1151-a requires drivers to yield when:
- Emerging from an alleyway, building, private road, or driveway.
- Entering an alleyway, building, private road, or driveway.
- A pedestrian is approaching on the sidewalk.
This protects pedestrians walking along sidewalks from drivers who may not be paying attention when pulling in or out of driveways.
Speed and Attention Requirements
Beyond specific right-of-way rules, drivers must:
- Operate vehicles at safe speeds for conditions.
- Maintain proper attention to the road.
- Avoid distracted driving (texting, phone use, etc.).
- Never drive under the influence.
- Exercise reasonable care toward all road users.
Accident Liability: Who Is at Fault?
When a pedestrian accident occurs in New York, determining fault involves examining whether each party followed New York pedestrian right-of-way laws and exercised reasonable care.
Pure Comparative Negligence in New York
New York follows a pure comparative negligence system.
What this means for you:
- Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation.
- Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- You won’t be completely barred from recovery.
Common Scenarios and Fault Determination
| Scenario | Likely Fault | Legal Basis |
| Pedestrian in crosswalk with “Walk” signal hit by turning vehicle | Driver is almost certainly at fault | Driver violated VTL § 1112, requiring yield to pedestrians in crosswalks |
| Pedestrian jaywalking hit by speeding driver | Fault typically shared | Pedestrian violated VTL § 1152, but the driver’s excessive speed may be a more significant breach |
| Pedestrian crossing against a signal was hit by a driver running a red light | Driver bears the majority of the fault | Both violated traffic laws, but running a red light is a severe violation, endangering everyone |
| Pedestrian was hit while on the sidewalk by a vehicle exiting a driveway | Driver at fault | Driver violated VTL § 1151-a by failing to yield to the pedestrian on the sidewalk |
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect both your health and your legal rights.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Getting examined creates a medical record of your injuries.
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report
An official police report documents the accident and may include the officer’s assessment of what happened.
Step 3: Document Everything You Can
If you are able:
- Take photos of the accident scene.
- Photograph the vehicle involved.
- Document your injuries.
- Capture traffic signals and crosswalk markings.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
Step 4: Do Not Admit Fault
Even if you think you may have been partially to blame, avoid making statements about fault at the scene. New York’s comparative negligence system means you may still have a valid claim even if you made a mistake.
Step 5: Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
New York pedestrian right-of-way laws are complex, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate your accident, determine who was at fault, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Pedestrians
Blind or Visually Impaired Pedestrians
VTL Section 1153 provides special protections:
- Drivers must yield to any pedestrian accompanied by a guide dog.
- Drivers must yield to any pedestrian carrying a white cane.
- Additional penalties apply for violations involving vulnerable pedestrians.
Migrant Workers and Undocumented Workers
Your rights are protected regardless of immigration status:
- You have legal rights if injured as a pedestrian.
- Immigration status does NOT affect your ability to seek compensation.
- Everyone injured due to a violation of New York pedestrian right-of-way laws deserves justice.
- Confidentiality protections apply in personal injury cases.
How an Attorney Can Help with Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Pedestrian accident cases often involve complex questions about New York pedestrian right-of-way laws, comparative negligence, and the extent of damages.
An Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can:
- Investigate thoroughly: Review police reports, interview witnesses, and examine traffic camera footage.
- Determine all liable parties: Identify everyone who may be responsible for your injuries.
- Calculate full damages: Include medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Counter attempts to blame pedestrians and reduce payouts.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached.
No Upfront Costs
Most pedestrian accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis:
- No upfront costs.
- No legal fees unless you recover compensation.
- Typically one-third of the settlement or award.
Contact an Experienced New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York, understanding New York pedestrian right-of-way laws is just the first step. You need an advocate who will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Eric Richman has been representing pedestrian accident victims throughout New York State for over 20 years. He thoroughly investigates every aspect of your case, from medical expenses to lost wages to long-term care needs. Among personal injury lawyers, Mr. Richman is distinguished by his exceptional dedication, staying accessible to clients at all times and responding personally to every call.
To discuss your pedestrian accident case, call us at (212) 688-3965 or toll-free at (800) 801-9655. You can also request a free consultation online. Don’t wait to protect your rights under New York pedestrian right-of-way laws.
Sources
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1151
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1151-A
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1152
- NYC Pedestrian Accidents: Who Has the Right of Way
- Pedestrian Accident Liability NYC: Who’s at Fault in a Collision
- Can Pedestrians Be at Fault for Accidents in New York?
- If You Hit Someone Jaywalking, Who Is at Fault?
- I Was Hit by a Car While Crossing the Street. Do I Have a Case?
- Scarsdale Government – Pedestrian Right of Way FAQ
- NYC Vision Zero Initiative
- New York City Pedestrian Accident Statistics
- Pedestrian Accident Statistics 2025
