Wisconsin is a Pedestrian-Rights State.  This means drivers must slow down, or stop if necessary, to avoid hitting or blocking a pedestrian. Motorists must be especially aware of this when turning right at a red light.

Current Pedestrian Laws

The current pedestrian laws are based on Wis. Stats. 346.23 (1)(2) and 346.24(1).

At any crosswalk (marked or unmarked), the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, person riding a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device, in a manner which is consistent with the safe use of the crosswalk by a pedestrian who has started to cross the highway.

In all other cases, pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of electric personal assistive mobility devices shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully proceeding directly ahead on a green signal.

No operator of a vehicle proceeding ahead on a green signal may begin a turn at a controlled intersection or crosswalk when a pedestrian or bicyclist or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device crossing in the crosswalk on a green or walk signal would be endangered or interfered with in any way.

What You Can Do

• Tips for Drivers:
  • Look for pedestrians when turning left or right.
  • Reduce travel speeds in school zones and neighborhoods.
  • Yield to any pedestrian already attempting to cross the roadway.
  • Do not overtake and pass any vehicle that has stopped at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian or bicyclist to cross the roadway safely. 
• Tips for Pedestrians:
  • Always look left, right, and left again for traffic before stepping into the street.
  • Cross at crosswalk or where you can see and be seen by motorists.
  • Yield to drivers when crossing a road where there is no intersection or crosswalk.
  • Walk on and along the left side of a roadway when not walking on a sidewalk.  Note:  This does not apply to bicycles.  Bicycles operate under the same laws as other legal vehicles on the road and should always stay on the right side of the road.
  • When walking at night, wear reflective outdoor clothing or lights to make yourself more visible to drivers.

Contact

WI DOT Bureau of Transportation Safety
608-266-0402