The question of who goes first at crosswalks creates awkward standoffs, confusion, and sometimes crashes. Most people are unaware of the exact responsibilities for everyone involved because state codes spell out exactly what they must do. crosswalk pedestrian safety laws in Utah create clear hierarchies, putting walker protection first while spelling out what both groups must do. Marked crossings, plain intersections, and mid-block spots each operate under different rules that dictate proper behavior at these meeting points.
Utah crosswalk laws say drivers have to yield when pedestrians already stand in crosswalks or step into them from the curb. This holds whether paint marks the spot or not. Regular intersections automatically become legal crosswalks at all four corners, even without any striping. Drivers rolling up to these areas own the job of stopping when walkers claim their crossing rights. That said, pedestrians can’t just bail off curbs straight into traffic when cars sit too close to stop safely. Both sides carry duties that try to balance safety against keeping traffic moving.
Marked crosswalk regulations
Paint crosswalks with zebra stripes, ladders, and solid bars. If anyone inside these boundaries sits in the lane next to the car, drivers must stop and stay stopped. Just slowing down while someone crosses far lanes breaks the law. The statute protects the full width, not merely wherever the person walks at that exact second.
Pedestrians waiting at edges get the right-of-way the moment they show crossing intent through where they stand or by stepping down. Drivers can’t roll forward until they are sure nobody plans to cross. This careful standard prevents crashes where motorists guess wrong about pedestrian plans. Walkers can’t launch themselves off curbs expecting instant stops. They need to check that approaching cars have enough room to brake, given their current speed and what the road surface looks like, before entering lanes.
Unmarked intersection crossings
Standard intersections create four legal crosswalks, whether paint exists or not. These invisible strips stretch across roads following where sidewalks would logically continue. Pedestrians using these spots hold the same rights as those in painted crosswalks. Missing paint doesn’t reduce what drivers owe them. Critical unmarked intersection rules include:
- Corner-to-corner paths – Legal crossings run straight between opposite corners, not diagonal shortcuts cutting through intersection centers
- Stop sign priority – Cars halted at signs must yield before going if pedestrians occupy or move toward crosswalks
- Traffic signal coordination – Walkers must follow pedestrian signals where installed, but vehicle green lights don’t cancel crossing rights at corners lacking dedicated pedestrian signals
- Multi-lane complications – Drivers in each lane must stop on their own, rather than figuring that other lanes will handle the yielding
School zone provisions
Schools get boosted protections during posted times. Crossing guards directing traffic carry authority, overriding standard right-of-way patterns. Drivers must follow guard signals even when they seem to contradict normal traffic rules. Drivers have less wiggle room around schools to miss young pedestrians whose decision-making and awareness are slower than adults. These protected zones have higher fines, recognising how vulnerable child pedestrians are.
