New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsEasy
You are driving on a two-lane road (one lane in each direction) and are approaching an intersection where you intend to go straight. The traffic light for your direction is green. A pedestrian is standing on the curb, waiting to cross the street you are about to enter, but there is no marked crosswalk. What is your responsibility?
- AYou should slow down and proceed cautiously, but are not required to stop for the pedestrian.
- BYou must make eye contact with the pedestrian before proceeding, to ensure they see you.
- CYou may proceed through the intersection, as pedestrians must yield to vehicles when there is no marked crosswalk.
- DYou must stop and yield to the pedestrian, as they always have the right-of-way.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. You may proceed through the intersection, as pedestrians must yield to vehicles when there is no marked crosswalk.
In New York State, pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Since there is no marked crosswalk and it's not explicitly stated as an unmarked one, the vehicle has the right-of-way.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While caution is always advised, the legal requirement changes based on the presence of a crosswalk.
- B. Making eye contact is a good defensive driving practice but not a legal requirement that overrides right-of-way rules in this specific scenario.
- D. This is incorrect; pedestrians do not always have the right-of-way, especially outside of marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way (Unmarked Crossings)
In New York, pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Pedestrians have right-of-way in marked crosswalks.
- Pedestrians have right-of-way in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
- Pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing outside these areas.
Memory trick: Crosswalks are for people, but roads are for cars too – know your lines!