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Pedestrian signal
A red signal means that pedestrians must not begin crossing the carriageway if this would obstruct drivers or involve danger. Pedestrians who have already entered the carriageway may continue crossing. A green signal means that pedestrians may cross the carriageway. A flashing green signal warns that the signal will shortly change to red, and has the same meaning as a red signal.
When you see the sign
The pedestrian signal regulates pedestrians, not you as a driver. Follow the signal that applies to vehicles, and be prepared for pedestrians who are legally continuing to cross even if the pedestrian signal is red or flashing green.
Rules
- A green pedestrian signal means that pedestrians may begin crossing the carriageway.
- A red pedestrian signal means that pedestrians must not begin crossing if doing so would obstruct vehicles or create a hazard.
- A pedestrian who is already in the carriageway when the signal turns red may continue crossing.
- A flashing green pedestrian signal indicates that the signal will soon turn red and has the same meaning as a red signal.
- The pedestrian signal applies to pedestrians; drivers must follow the signal that applies to their traffic flow and continue to act with due care.
Tips
- Look out for pedestrians who are still in the carriageway when you get a green light, and wait if necessary until they have crossed safely.
- When turning at a signal-controlled junction, check the pedestrian crossing especially carefully, because pedestrians may have a green signal at the same time as you do.
- Do not start moving just because the pedestrian signal turns red; check your own signal and make sure the road is clear.
- Pay particular attention to children, older people and people with disabilities, who may take longer to complete the crossing.
Common misconceptions
- Assuming that a red pedestrian light automatically means a green light or a clear road for cars.
- Assuming that flashing green gives pedestrians time to start crossing; it has the same meaning as a red signal.
- Assuming that a pedestrian must stop in the middle of the carriageway when the signal changes to red.
Test yourself
Easy
What does a green light mean in this signal?
- APedestrians must wait because the signal will soon turn red.
- BDrivers may pass if the carriageway is clear.
- CCyclists may cross without yielding to others.
- DPedestrians may begin to cross the carriageway.
Medium
You have a green light in the main signal for your lane, while this signal shows red. What do you do?
- AI continue if the road is clear, and watch for pedestrians.
- BI follow this signal instead of the main signal for the lane.
- CI always stop before the gangfelt, because the signals show different colours.
- DI continue without checking the gangfelt, because pedestrians have a red light.
Hard
The signal flashes green just as one pedestrian is in the carriageway and another is standing on the pavement. What applies?
- ABoth pedestrians must wait or stop as soon as the signal starts flashing.
- BBoth pedestrians may begin or continue crossing before the light turns red.
- CThe pedestrian in the carriageway must stop, while the other may begin crossing.
- DThe pedestrian in the carriageway may continue, while the other must take the red signal into account.
Theory test tip
A common trap is the question about flashing green: It does not merely mean that pedestrians should hurry, but that new crossings must not be started if they would obstruct vehicles or create a hazard. Pedestrians who are already in the carriageway may nevertheless continue.
Did you know
Fotgjengersignal has sign number 1086 and shows a luminous human figure. Flashing green is used as a warning that the signal is ending, but under the sign regulations it has the same meaning as a red signal.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pedestrian start walking when the signal is flashing green?
Flashing green has the same meaning as a red signal. Pedestrians must therefore not begin crossing if doing so would obstruct vehicles or create a hazard.
Does a pedestrian who is halfway across the road have to stop when the signal turns red?
No. A pedestrian who has already entered the carriageway may continue crossing.
Can I drive as soon as the pedestrian signal turns red?
No, not based on the pedestrian signal alone. You must follow the signal that applies to vehicles, check that the road is clear and give way to pedestrians completing the crossing.
Is a pedestrian signal the same as the main signal?
No. The pedestrian signal regulates pedestrians, while the main signal regulates vehicles and may also contain provisions concerning pedestrians crossing when no separate pedestrian signal is in use.
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