California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayMedium
You are making a left turn at a signal-controlled intersection. The traffic light turns green, and there are no other vehicles in the intersection, but there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk you will be crossing. What should you do?
- ADrive slowly around the pedestrian, ensuring you maintain a safe distance.
- BWait for the pedestrian to clear the crosswalk before completing your turn.
- CProceed with your turn, as you have the green light and the right-of-way over pedestrians in this situation.
- DHonk your horn to alert the pedestrian to hurry and clear the crosswalk.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Wait for the pedestrian to clear the crosswalk before completing your turn.
Even with a green light, drivers making a left turn must yield to pedestrians who are legally in the crosswalk. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way when crossing legally.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Driving around a pedestrian in a crosswalk is dangerous and illegal.
- C. This is incorrect; pedestrians in the crosswalk always have the right-of-way.
- D. Honking is aggressive and does not change the right-of-way, potentially startling the pedestrian.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way (Turns)
Drivers turning left or right must yield to pedestrians legally in a crosswalk, regardless of traffic signals.
- Pedestrians in crosswalks have right-of-way.
- Yield on left turns.
- Yield on right turns.
- Always look for pedestrians before and during turns.
Memory trick: Turn left, see a foot, let them cross, don't be a brute.