§2056. Pedestrians
1. Pedestrian traffic.
When use of a sidewalk next to a public way is practicable, a pedestrian may not
walk on that public way.
[
1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW);
1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF)
.]
2. Pedestrian on way.
Where sidewalks are not provided, a pedestrian shall walk facing approaching traffic
on the left side of the public way or the way's shoulder when practicable. An operator of a motor vehicle who is passing a pedestrian on a public way or the
way’s shoulder shall exercise due care by leaving a distance between the motor vehicle
and the pedestrian of not less than 3 feet while the motor vehicle is passing the
pedestrian. A motor vehicle operator may pass a pedestrian in a no-passing zone only
when it is safe to do so.
[
2009, c. 91, §1 (AMD)
.]
3. Pedestrians on sidewalks.
An operator shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian on a sidewalk.
[
1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW);
1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF)
.]
4. Pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
When traffic-control devices are not in operation, an operator must yield the right-of-way
to a pedestrian who is crossing within a marked crosswalk or to a pedestrian who has shown visible intent to enter the marked crosswalk.
[
2015, c. 164, §3 (AMD)
.]
5. Pedestrian crossing.
A pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle when crossing a way:
A. Other than within a marked crosswalk; or [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
B. With an available pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
[
1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW);
1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF)
.]
6. Pedestrian prohibitions.
A pedestrian may not:
A. Cross between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control devices operate, except
in a marked crosswalk; [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
B. Cross an intersection diagonally, unless authorized by official traffic-control
devices; or [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
C. Suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of
a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the operator to yield. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
[
1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW);
1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF)
.]
7. When vehicle stopped.
When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection or a marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian
to cross, the operator of another vehicle approaching from the rear may not overtake
and pass the stopped vehicle.
[
1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW);
1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF)
.]
8. Due care.
Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter or of a local ordinance, an operator
of a vehicle shall:
A. Exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian; [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
B. Give warning by sounding the horn when necessary; and [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
C. Exercise proper caution on observing a child or any obviously confused, incapacitated
or intoxicated person. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
[
1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW);
1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF)
.]
9. Failure to yield right-of-way to a visually impaired pedestrian.
Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, an operator who fails to yield
the right-of-way to a visually impaired pedestrian who is carrying a cane that is
predominately white or metallic in color, with or without a red tip, or using a guide
or personal care dog as defined in Title 17, section 1312, commits a traffic infraction.
Notwithstanding section 103, subsection 3, the fine for a violation of this subsection
may not be less than $50 nor more than $1,000.
[
1999, c. 92, §1 (NEW)
.]
SECTION HISTORY
1993, c. 683, §A2 (NEW).
1993, c. 683, §B5 (AFF).
1999, c. 92, §1 (AMD).
1999, c. 101, §1 (AMD).
2009, c. 91, §1 (AMD).
2015, c. 164, §3 (AMD).