Because pedestrians are vulnerable, there are some specific rights granted to all pedestrians in Georgia. The law mandates that all drivers diligently watch for pedestrians and exercise due care to avoid hitting them, even if they are on the road outside of a crosswalk. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and pedestrians always have the right-of-way while on sidewalks.
The following Georgia laws apply to pedestrian rights:
- OCGA § 40-6-91 – Pedestrians have the right-of-way at Georgia crosswalks.
- OCGA § 40-6-92 – Pedestrians entering the roadway outside of a crosswalk must yield to vehicles “unless he has already, and under safe conditions, entered the roadway.”
- OCGA § 40-6-22 – Pedestrians with the “WALK” sign have the right-of-way.
- OCGA § 40-6-144 – Vehicles emerging from an alley, building, private road, or driveway must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
- OCGA § 40-6-203 – Drivers must not park their vehicles on sidewalks or crosswalks.
