North Carolina’s Pedestrian Laws: What You Should Know

Understanding the rules of the road isn’t only essential for car drivers. Pedestrians too have legal obligations that, when not followed, can lead to accidents and even legal repercussions. In this article, we delve into the pedestrian laws of North Carolina, helping you navigate the roads safely and legally.

Understanding Pedestrian Responsibilities

Under North Carolina laws, pedestrians and motorists share the road. Everyone must abide by traffic rules to prevent accidents. Pedestrians are defined as individuals traveling on foot, while sidewalks are areas between the street and property lines allocated for pedestrian use.

When Are Pedestrians at Fault?

It’s important to note that pedestrians can be legally held accountable for violating traffic laws. For instance, if an individual is unlawfully present on a freeway, they could be charged with a misdemeanor, attracting fines or even jail time.

Legally, pedestrians should use sidewalks wherever available. In their absence, walking on the road is permitted, provided pedestrians stick to the shoulder or edge and remain on the left side, facing traffic.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way and Crossing Laws

Pedestrians have the right-of-way within crosswalks, provided they obey traffic signals. If a pedestrian traffic signal is blinking yellow, individuals already in the street can complete crossing, but new entrants must wait.

Without a crosswalk, cars have the right-of-way. Pedestrians can cross only if they can do so without disrupting traffic flow. Choosing a well-lit spot and waiting for a break in traffic is essential when trying to cross a road without a crosswalk.

Local Laws and Pedestrian Safety

In addition to state laws, local jurisdictions like Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach have their specific pedestrian rules. For instance, in North Myrtle Beach, pedestrians are prohibited from obstructing traffic flow on public streets.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, pedestrian fatalities are on the rise. To this end, they’ve ramped up enforcement and public education efforts to curb such incidents.

About the Author

Emalyn Muzzy is a breaking news reporter for The Sun. She covers everything breaking and everything new in the Myrtle Beach area. She graduated from the University of Minnesota is 2022 with a degree in journalism and Spanish.