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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
Slow down and look out for pedestrians on both sides of the road. You must be able to stop before the pedestrian crossing and give way to pedestrians who are on the crossing or about to enter it when traffic is not controlled by the police or traffic lights.
Rules
- The sign indicates a crossing point for pedestrians where the provisions of the traffic regulations concerning pedestrian crossings apply.
- At a pedestrian crossing that is not controlled by the police or traffic lights, drivers must give way to pedestrians who are on the crossing or about to enter it.
- You must adjust your speed so that you can stop before the pedestrian crossing if someone is going to cross.
- Stopping on a pedestrian crossing or less than 5 metres in front of it is prohibited.
- As a general rule, overtaking another vehicle immediately before or on a pedestrian crossing is prohibited.
Tips
- Pay particular attention to children, older people and anyone who may be hidden behind parked cars or other obstructions to your view.
- Release the accelerator early and be ready to brake as you approach the sign.
- Do not wave pedestrians across if traffic in another lane has not stopped.
- Check both sides of the pedestrian crossing before driving on after stopping.
Common misconceptions
- Many people think that pedestrians must have stepped into the carriageway before the duty to give way applies. The duty to give way also applies when the person is clearly about to enter the pedestrian crossing.
- Some people think that a cyclist riding across always counts as a pedestrian. Normally, a cyclist must dismount and walk the bicycle to have the same protection as a pedestrian.
- Some people stop immediately in front of a pedestrian crossing and forget that stopping less than 5 metres in front of it is prohibited.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AIt indicates a crossing place for pedestrians where the gangfelt (pedestrian crossing) rules apply.
- BIt indicates that the traffic rules for motortrafikkveg (motor traffic road) begin to apply.
- CIt indicates that a lane for public transport begins.
- DIt indicates that the traffic rules for motorveg (motorway) cease to apply.
Medium
You are approaching the location without traffic lights or police control. A person at the edge of the pavement clearly indicates that they intend to cross. What should you do?
- AContinue at the same speed until the person enters the carriageway.
- BIncrease your speed and pass before the person begins to cross.
- CStop at the crossing place and wait until the person has crossed.
- DAdapt your speed and, if necessary, stop before the crossing place.
Hard
You are driving straight ahead and meet a cyclist who remains seated on the bicycle while cycling across. No other duty-to-yield rules apply. Which statement is correct?
- AI always have a duty to yield because cyclists are considered pedestrians at such places.
- BI may pass without reducing my speed because cyclists never have any rights.
- CI do not automatically have a duty to yield under the gangfelt (pedestrian crossing) rule, but I must act cautiously.
- DI have a duty to yield only if the cyclist has already reached the middle of the carriageway.
Theory test tip
A common trap is the difference between a pedestrian and a cyclist: Someone walking a bicycle is a pedestrian, whereas someone riding across does not automatically have the same rights under the pedestrian-crossing rule.
Did you know
Pedestrian crossings are usually marked both with this information sign and white stripes on the carriageway. Because of the distinctive striped marking, pedestrian crossings are often referred to as zebra crossings.
Frequently asked questions
When must I stop for a pedestrian?
You must stop if necessary to give free passage to a pedestrian who is on the pedestrian crossing or about to enter it. This applies when traffic is not controlled by the police or traffic lights.
Does a cyclist riding across have the same rights as a pedestrian?
No, not under the ordinary duty-to-give-way rule for pedestrian crossings. If the cyclist dismounts and walks the bicycle, the person is considered a pedestrian.
Can I stop immediately in front of the crossing point?
No. Stopping on a pedestrian crossing or less than 5 metres in front of it is prohibited, partly because the vehicle may hide pedestrians from other traffic.
What applies when there are traffic lights at the crossing point?
Both drivers and pedestrians must follow the traffic signals. You must nevertheless pay attention to people who are still on the pedestrian crossing and drive in a way that prevents danger from arising.
Practise for the theory test
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