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Pedestrian crossing (Gangfelt)
The sign indicates a crossing place for pedestrians where the provisions of the traffic rules concerning gangfelt apply.
When you see the sign
Reduce your speed and look out for pedestrians who are already on the pedestrian crossing or are about to enter it. Drive slowly enough to be able to stop before the pedestrian crossing, and give pedestrians right of way.
Rules
- At a pedestrian crossing not controlled by a police officer or traffic lights, you must give way to pedestrians who are on the pedestrian crossing or are about to enter it.
- You must approach the pedestrian crossing slowly enough to be able to stop before it if necessary.
- A cyclist who rides across a pedestrian crossing is not considered a pedestrian under the pedestrian-crossing rule. Anyone who dismounts and walks their bicycle is considered a pedestrian.
- If the pedestrian crossing has a traffic island or another safe division, each part of the pedestrian crossing is considered a separate pedestrian crossing.
- Stopping on a pedestrian crossing or less than 5 metres in front of it is prohibited.
Tips
- Look early towards both pavements, especially for children or others who may quickly step onto the pedestrian crossing.
- Release the accelerator and cover the brake when your view of the pedestrian crossing is limited.
- Do not wave a pedestrian across without first checking that traffic in the other lanes is also stopping.
- Wait until the pedestrian has crossed your lane with a good safety margin before driving on.
Common misconceptions
- Many people think the duty to give way only applies once the pedestrian has stepped into the road. It also applies when the person is clearly about to enter the pedestrian crossing.
- Some people think a driver must always give way to a cyclist riding across a pedestrian crossing. The pedestrian-crossing rule gives way to pedestrians, not automatically to cyclists.
- Some people stop right up against the pedestrian crossing in queues or when parking, but stopping is prohibited on the pedestrian crossing and within the last 5 metres before it.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AIt indicates a crossing place for pedestrians where the rules for crossing apply.
- BIt indicates that a kollektivfelt (bus lane) begins and that the bus-lane rules apply.
- CIt indicates that a lane for heavy traffic begins at the location.
- DIt indicates that a motorveg (motorway) begins and that the motorway rules apply.
Medium
You are approaching this location without traffic lights or police control. A person on the pavement is clearly about to enter the carriageway. What should you do?
- ASound the horn and continue because the duty to yield first applies once the person is in the carriageway.
- BContinue at the same speed because the person is still on the pavement.
- CIncrease your speed and pass before the person enters the carriageway.
- DReduce your speed and, if necessary, stop to give the person right of way.
Hard
A cyclist remains seated on the bicycle and waits at the edge before cycling across. What follows from the rules referred to by this sign?
- AYou do not automatically have a duty to yield under the pedestrian rule when the person is cycling.
- BYou have a duty to yield under the pedestrian rule only when the person is cycling slowly.
- CYou have a duty to yield under the pedestrian rule only when the person signals.
- DYou always have a duty to yield under the pedestrian rule when the person is cycling.
Theory test tip
A common trap is a picture of a cyclist riding across the crossing. The distinction between riding and walking the bicycle is crucial: Anyone who walks their bicycle is a pedestrian and is covered by the duty to give way.
Did you know
If a traffic island divides the crossing, each part is considered a separate pedestrian crossing. You may therefore continue driving once the pedestrian has crossed your part, provided it is otherwise safe to do so.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop if a person is standing at the edge of the pedestrian crossing?
You must stop if the person is about to enter the pedestrian crossing. In any event, slow down enough to be able to stop if the situation is unclear.
Do I have to give way to a cyclist on a pedestrian crossing?
Not under the pedestrian-crossing rule itself if the person is riding. If the cyclist dismounts and walks the bicycle, the person is considered a pedestrian, and you must give way.
Does the same rule apply when the pedestrian crossing has traffic lights?
When traffic is controlled by lights, both drivers and pedestrians must follow the light signals. However, a driver turning must still be particularly alert and give pedestrians enough space to complete the crossing.
How far before a pedestrian crossing is stopping prohibited?
You must not stop on the pedestrian crossing or less than 5 metres in front of it. The prohibition is intended to ensure visibility between drivers and pedestrians.
Practise for the theory test
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