A walk sign tells you when it is safe to cross the street

A walk sign is the white walking figure that lights up at a traffic signal, telling pedestrians they have the right of way to cross. It appears when the traffic light turns red for cars in that direction. The sign stays lit for a set number of seconds — usually between 7 and 27 seconds depending on how wide the street is — and then changes to a "Don't Walk" sign (usually a red hand) to warn you that crossing time is ending.

The walk sign does not mean the street is completely clear of traffic. It means the signal is giving pedestrians their turn to cross. Drivers turning right or left on a red light, or drivers who are already in the intersection when their light turns red, may still be moving through your crossing path. You still need to look both ways before stepping into the street, even when the walk sign is lit.

Key Takeaways

  • A walk sign is a white walking figure that lights up when it is your turn to cross at a traffic signal.
  • You should still look both ways before crossing, because turning vehicles and drivers clearing the intersection may still be moving.
  • The walk sign stays lit for a limited time — usually 7 to 27 seconds — before changing to "Don't Walk."
  • If you are already crossing when the sign changes to "Don't Walk," keep going; do not stop in the middle of the street.
  • Pedestrians who cross against the walk sign (when "Don't Walk" is lit) may be breaking the law and are at higher risk of being hit.

How long you have to cross

The time the walk sign stays lit depends on the width of the street. A narrow residential street might give you 10 seconds, while a wide downtown intersection might give you 20 or more. The signal is timed so that an average walking speed — about 3.5 feet per second — gets most people across before the sign changes.

If you are moving slowly, using a cane, pushing a stroller, or in a wheelchair, you may not make it all the way across in the time given. If this is your situation, look for a pedestrian signal button (usually a small box mounted on the signal pole at chest height). Pressing this button requests extra crossing time. Some signals are set to give extra time automatically if a button is pressed; others require you to press it each time you cross.

What happens when the sign changes to "Don't Walk"

When the walk sign changes to a red hand or the words "Don't Walk," it means pedestrians should no longer enter the street. However, if you are already in the intersection when the sign changes, you should keep walking to the other side — stopping in the middle of the street puts you in danger. The "Don't Walk" signal is meant to stop new pedestrians from starting to cross, not to stop those already crossing.

If you have not yet stepped into the street when "Don't Walk" appears, wait for the next walk sign. Crossing against the signal is illegal in most places and puts you at serious risk. Drivers expect pedestrians to follow the signal, and a driver turning right or left may not see you if you are crossing when you are not supposed to.

Pedestrian signal buttons and accessible crossings

Many intersections have a small button mounted on the signal pole that pedestrians can press to request a walk signal. Pressing the button tells the traffic signal that someone wants to cross at that location. The signal will then include a walk phase for that direction in its next cycle.

Some buttons have audio signals that beep or chirp when the walk sign is lit, helping people who are blind or have low vision know when it is safe to cross. The button itself may also vibrate. If you do not see or hear a signal after pressing the button, wait — the walk sign may still come, just not when ready. Traffic signals cycle through all directions, so your crossing direction may not come up for several cycles.

Crossing safely even with a walk sign

The walk sign gives you the legal right to cross, but it does not may provide that all traffic has stopped. Before you step into the street, look left, then right, then left again. Watch for cars turning right on red (which is legal in most places) and for drivers who are still in the intersection clearing it after their light turned red.

Keep looking as you cross. Do not assume that because you started crossing legally, you are safe for the entire crossing. A driver might run a red light, or a delivery truck might be backing up. Staying alert — and staying off your phone — gives you the best chance of noticing a problem and getting out of the way.

What to do if the walk sign is broken or missing

If a walk sign is not working, you can still cross at that intersection, but you will need to judge the traffic yourself. Wait until the traffic light for cars turns red in the direction you want to cross. Look both ways carefully, and only cross if you are confident that no cars are moving toward you. Cross quickly and stay alert.

If a signal is broken, you can report it to your city or county's public works or transportation department. Many cities have online forms or phone numbers for reporting broken traffic signals. Providing the exact location (street names and nearby landmarks) helps the city find and fix the problem faster.

Walk signs at different types of intersections

Standard four-way intersections have walk signs for each direction: north-south and east-west. Some intersections also have diagonal walk signals that let pedestrians cross corner-to-corner. These diagonal crossings are often shorter and safer than crossing two sides of an intersection separately, but they are only available when the signal allows them.

Mid-block crossings — signals placed in the middle of a block rather than at a corner — work the same way as corner signals. Press the button, wait for the walk sign, look both ways, and cross. Some neighborhoods have added more mid-block signals to make it safer and more convenient for pedestrians to cross busy streets without having to walk to the nearest corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cross if the walk sign is not lit but no cars are coming?

Legally, no. Crossing against the signal is illegal in most places, even if the street looks empty. A car could appear suddenly, and you would have no legal protection if you were hit. More importantly, drivers expect pedestrians to follow signals, so crossing when you are not supposed to surprises drivers and increases your risk of being hit.

What if I am halfway across when the walk sign changes to "Don't Walk"?

Keep walking to the other side. You have already entered the intersection legally, and stopping in the middle of the street is more dangerous than finishing your crossing. The "Don't Walk" signal is for people who have not yet started crossing, not for those already in the street.

Do I have to press the pedestrian signal button every time I cross?

It depends on how the signal is programmed. Some signals give a walk phase automatically on a set cycle, whether or not anyone presses the button. Others only give a walk phase if someone presses the button. If you are not sure, press it — it does not hurt, and it makes sure the signal knows you want to cross.

What should I do if a driver is turning right on red and blocking my crossing?

Stop and let them turn. Even though you have the walk sign, drivers turning right on red have the legal right to do so as long as they yield to pedestrians. If a driver is not yielding, step back to the curb and wait. Your safety is more important than your right of way.

Are walk signs the same in every city?

The basic design is the same — a white walking figure for "Walk" and a red hand for "Don't Walk" — but the exact timing, button locations, and audio signals can vary. If you are visiting a new city, take a moment to look at how the signals work before you cross. The principles are the same everywhere.