Navigating the roads is a complex task, with many rules and regulations to keep in mind. But there's one little-known rule that many drivers may unknowingly break—and it could cost you a hefty fine and demerit points.

The rule in question?

It's all about pedestrian crossings.

Most drivers are aware that they must stop for pedestrians at crossings. However, the rule goes a step further than that.

According to drive.com.au, drivers across Australia must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road before proceeding through a crossing.

You could get fined for violating this traffic law. Credit: Unsplash

This rule applies regardless of the type of crossing. Whether it's a zebra crossing, a pelican crossing (a crossing with traffic lights), or an intersection with a ‘Give Way’ or ‘Stop’ sign, drivers must wait for pedestrians to fully cross the road.

At pelican crossings, drivers must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed before driving through unless the crossing is split into two sets of lights.

Similarly, at zebra crossings with a pedestrian refuge in between lanes, drivers must wait for pedestrians to fully cross the road because the refuge is merely an optional stop.

Breaking this rule could result in an on-the-spot fine and up to three demerit points. It's a costly mistake that could also put pedestrians at risk.

The pedestrian crossing rule is designed to protect pedestrians, who are among the most vulnerable road users.

Drivers must also give way to pedestrians if there is a danger of collision, even if there is no marked pedestrian crossing.

The rule requiring drivers to wait until pedestrians have fully crossed the road is part of this broader framework of laws designed to protect pedestrians.

It's a rule that requires patience and respect for pedestrians' right to use the road safely.

The rule also applies to cyclists. Like drivers, cyclists must stop before reaching the pedestrian crossing and allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. They must not proceed until the pedestrians have fully crossed the road.

However, the traffic situation in Australia is stressful.

People who walk in a big city sometimes face a serious problem because of strange and obstructive parking spaces on the same roads used by cars.

Many local pedestrians are worried about these parking spots, considering them quite a hazard.

In a previous story, a Sydneysider took to social media to express her anger over ‘appalling’ parking spaces in their area.

The spaces were taking up the entire footpath, which prevented pedestrians from walking on the side of the road. Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers in Australia must wait for pedestrians to finish crossing the road before driving through a crossing. Otherwise, they risk a fine and demerit points.
• The rule applies regardless of the type of pedestrian crossing, whether it is controlled by traffic lights.
• At pelican crossings with traffic lights, drivers must wait for pedestrians to completely cross unless there is a split in the crossing with two sets of lights.
• This road rule includes waiting for pedestrians at intersections and where there are 'Give Way' or 'Stop' signs present.

Rules on pedestrians crossing roads may vary per state. You can check your area’s rules on the National Transport Commission’s website here.

Have you ever been caught out by this rule? Or perhaps there are other little-known road rules you think more drivers should be aware of? Share them with us in the comments below.

 

[Sean Galvin]

Navigating the roads is a complex task, with many rules and regulations to keep in mind. But there's one little-known rule that many drivers may unknowingly break—and it could cost you a hefty fine and demerit points.

The rule in question?

It's all about pedestrian crossings.

Most drivers are aware that they must stop for pedestrians at crossings. However, the rule goes a step further than that.

According to drive.com.au, drivers across Australia must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road before proceeding through a crossing.

View attachment 39270

You could get fined for violating this traffic law. Credit: Unsplash

This rule applies regardless of the type of crossing. Whether it's a zebra crossing, a pelican crossing (a crossing with traffic lights), or an intersection with a ‘Give Way’ or ‘Stop’ sign, drivers must wait for pedestrians to fully cross the road.

At pelican crossings, drivers must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed before driving through unless the crossing is split into two sets of lights.

Similarly, at zebra crossings with a pedestrian refuge in between lanes, drivers must wait for pedestrians to fully cross the road because the refuge is merely an optional stop.

Breaking this rule could result in an on-the-spot fine and up to three demerit points. It's a costly mistake that could also put pedestrians at risk.

The pedestrian crossing rule is designed to protect pedestrians, who are among the most vulnerable road users.

Drivers must also give way to pedestrians if there is a danger of collision, even if there is no marked pedestrian crossing.

The rule requiring drivers to wait until pedestrians have fully crossed the road is part of this broader framework of laws designed to protect pedestrians.

It's a rule that requires patience and respect for pedestrians' right to use the road safely.

The rule also applies to cyclists. Like drivers, cyclists must stop before reaching the pedestrian crossing and allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. They must not proceed until the pedestrians have fully crossed the road.

However, the traffic situation in Australia is stressful.

People who walk in a big city sometimes face a serious problem because of strange and obstructive parking spaces on the same roads used by cars.

Many local pedestrians are worried about these parking spots, considering them quite a hazard.

In a previous story, a Sydneysider took to social media to express her anger over ‘appalling’ parking spaces in their area.

The spaces were taking up the entire footpath, which prevented pedestrians from walking on the side of the road. Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers in Australia must wait for pedestrians to finish crossing the road before driving through a crossing. Otherwise, they risk a fine and demerit points.
• The rule applies regardless of the type of pedestrian crossing, whether it is controlled by traffic lights.
• At pelican crossings with traffic lights, drivers must wait for pedestrians to completely cross unless there is a split in the crossing with two sets of lights.
• This road rule includes waiting for pedestrians at intersections and where there are 'Give Way' or 'Stop' signs present.

Rules on pedestrians crossing roads may vary per state. You can check your area’s rules on the National Transport Commission’s website here.

Have you ever been caught out by this rule? Or perhaps there are other little-known road rules you think more drivers should be aware of? Share them with us in the comments below.

A Hugh problem is drivers not adhering to the pedestrian crossing rule in supermarket car parks. It is so bad that it should be policed.

 

[IAN3005]

A Hugh problem is drivers not adhering to the pedestrian crossing rule in supermarket car parks. It is so bad that it should be policed.

A supermarket is private property... the laws of the land don't apply.

 

[SPANNA]

Yes I failed my first driving test on not quite the same mistake
I indicated to turn right from a very busy road saw a break in the traffi, what I didn’t notice was a gentleman start to cross and saw that I was turning and backed off the road. He still had one foot on the road that was enough for my examiner to fail me. Miserable old xxxxxx. My driving instructors remark not mine.