Crossing The Road
Md. Code, Transp. § 21-502 — the driver comes to a stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk on the same half of the road, or in the next lane over
In a crosswalk, the driver comes to a stop. Where no traffic control signal is in operation and no tunnel or overhead crossing is provided, the driver of a vehicle comes to a stop when a pedestrian crossing the roadway in a crosswalk is on the half of the roadway the vehicle is traveling on, or is approaching from an adjacent lane on the other half.
A crosswalk does not have to be painted. The rule reaches an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection as well as a painted one. An ordinary intersection with no paint across it still has a crosswalk, and the driver's duty does not wait for a line to be drawn.
Outside a crosswalk, the pedestrian yields. A pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection yields the right of way to any vehicle approaching on the roadway, and so does a pedestrian crossing where a tunnel or overhead crossing is provided.
| Where the crossing is | Who yields |
|---|---|
| Where the crossing isIn a marked crosswalk | Who yieldsThe driver stops |
| Where the crossing isIn an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection | Who yieldsThe driver stops |
| Where the crossing isAnywhere else on the roadway | Who yieldsThe pedestrian |
| Where the crossing isWhere a tunnel or overhead crossing is provided | Who yieldsThe pedestrian |
| Where the crossing isBetween adjacent signaled intersections | Who yieldsCrossing is only in a marked crosswalk |
Between adjacent intersections at which a traffic control signal is in operation, a pedestrian may cross a roadway only in a marked crosswalk. A pedestrian may not cross an intersection diagonally unless a traffic control device authorizes it, and then only in accordance with the device.
The right of way is not unconditional. A pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
The car behind. If a vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk, or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, to let a pedestrian cross, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear may not overtake and pass it.
When it contributes to a crash. A person may not violate the stopping rule or the passing rule in a way that contributes to an accident. A conviction for that carries imprisonment not exceeding 2 months, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
Crossings at a working signal follow the signal, under sections that are not on this page. Who was at fault in a particular collision, and what a particular ticket means, are questions for a licensed Maryland attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-502 — Pedestrians’ right-of-way in crosswalks
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-503 — Crossing other than at crosswalks
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.