Pedestrian and Bicycle Rules — Permit Test Answers
Correct answer
Explanation
Pedestrian and bicycle rules define when drivers must yield, stop, or give space to people walking or riding on or near the roadway. On permit tests, these questions focus on crosswalks, turns, school crossings, blind pedestrians, bike lanes, and the legal responsibility drivers have to protect vulnerable road users.
Last reviewed for accuracy in 2026.
Do pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks?
Yes. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Must remain stopped until pedestrian clears your lane | California, New York | Drivers may not proceed until the pedestrian is out of their lane |
| May proceed once lane is clear | All other states | Proceed cautiously only after yielding |
Do pedestrians have the right-of-way in unmarked crosswalks?
Yes. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Crosswalks exist at most intersections even if lines are not painted.
Who has the right-of-way when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk?
Pedestrians outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles, but drivers must still exercise due care.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian must yield | All states | Drivers must still avoid collisions |
| Added driver caution language | Some states | Extra care is required near pedestrians |
Do drivers have to yield to pedestrians when turning?
Yes. Drivers must yield to pedestrians when turning at intersections.
A green light does not override pedestrian right-of-way.
Do pedestrian signals affect drivers?
Yes. Drivers must obey pedestrian signals when pedestrians are lawfully crossing.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Strong pedestrian priority | California, New York | Drivers must yield even on green |
| Standard yielding rules | All other states | Yield when pedestrians are in the crosswalk |
Do drivers have to stop for blind pedestrians?
Yes. Drivers must yield to blind pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.
What rules apply at school crossings?
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at school crossings when children are present.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing guards control traffic | All states | Guard instructions override signals |
| Reduced visibility zones | Some states | Extra caution is required |
Are bicyclists treated like vehicles?
Yes. Bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Full vehicle status | All other states | Cyclists follow traffic laws |
| Added cyclist protections | Some states | Drivers have additional duties |
How much space must you give when passing a bicyclist?
Drivers must allow a safe distance when passing bicyclists.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum passing distance specified | Some states | A set number of feet is required |
| Safe distance standard | All other states | Enough space to avoid contact |
Can drivers use or park in bike lanes?
No. Drivers must not drive or park in bike lanes except where permitted.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Limited right-turn access | Some states | Brief entry allowed to turn |
| No entry allowed | All other states | Bike lanes must remain clear |
Do drivers have to yield to bicyclists when turning?
Yes. Drivers must yield to bicyclists when turning across bike lanes or paths.
What do shared lane markings (sharrows) mean?
Shared lane markings indicate that bicycles and vehicles share the same lane.
Is it illegal to open a car door into a bicyclist?
Yes. Drivers must not open vehicle doors in a way that interferes with bicyclists.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Specific “dooring” laws | Some states | Opening doors into cyclists is explicitly prohibited |
| General safety rules | All other states | Drivers must avoid creating hazards |
Can bicyclists ride on sidewalks?
Bicycle riding on sidewalks depends on state or local law.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk riding allowed | Some states | Local rules may apply |
| Sidewalk riding restricted | All other states | Bicycles must use the roadway |
How are electric bicycles treated under the law?
Electric bicycles are generally treated as bicycles, with some restrictions.
| Rule variation | States | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| E-bikes treated as bicycles | Most states | Same basic traffic rules apply |
| Added restrictions | Some states | Speed or class limits apply |
Quick exam rule to remember
If someone is walking or riding, your responsibility as a driver increases.
What to study next
After pedestrian and bicycle rules, permit tests commonly focus on:
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Serious traffic violations
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Alcohol, drugs, and impairment
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Defensive driving techniques
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Road signs and pavement markings