Pedestrian crossing sign: what it means
This warning sign means there is a zebra or parallel crossing ahead. Be ready to stop: you must give way to anyone who has stepped onto the crossing.
What it means
Know your traffic signs calls it the zebra or parallel crossing sign. Rule 195: you should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross, and you must give way once a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing. At a parallel crossing the same applies to cyclists.
Do not wave people across or flash your lights, as another vehicle may be coming (rule 195).
Quick quiz
Someone is waiting at the kerb of a zebra crossing. What should you do?
- Drive on, they have not stepped out
- Give way to them
- Sound your horn
Show answer
B. Give way to them. Rule 195 and rule H2: you should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing. Source: The Highway Code, rule 195, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule H2, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: pedestrian, cycle and equestrian crossings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where you see it
Before zebra and parallel crossings. Near the crossing itself you will see white zigzag lines.
A common mistake
Waiting until someone steps out before slowing down. Rule 195 and rule H2 say you should give way to people waiting to cross, so check the pavement on both sides as you approach.
Compare with
Zigzag linesNo parking, waiting or overtaking near a crossing.
Children going to or from school signWatch for children near a school.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.