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Friday, Nov 6, 2026

Are drivers required to yield to pedestrians at unmarked crosswalks?

Clinton Engelberger | Suncoast Searchlight, Suncoast Searchlight

yes

Florida law says drivers must yield to pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

If there’s white painted lines indicating a crosswalk or a pedestrian crossing sign present, drivers must yield to pedestrians. Even unmarked crosswalks –– defined by the state as intersections in between sidewalks on opposite sides of the road–– drivers must yield if a pedestrian is present.

Pedestrians don’t have the right-of-way in every scenario, though. If the crosswalk is at a stop light, pedestrians must wait for the walk signal to cross. While Florida law urges drivers to exercise caution in any scenario with a pedestrian present, pedestrians do not have the right-of-way if a crosswalk is not present.

Violation of this law, as either a pedestrian or driver, is a noncriminal traffic infraction, which results in fines depending on the severity of the situation.

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