Walking should be one of the safest ways to get around, but pedestrian accidents are all too common in New Jersey. Whether you’re walking to work, crossing a busy street, or simply enjoying a stroll, you should know your rights and responsibilities under NJ pedestrian crosswalk law. Likewise, drivers must understand their obligations to avoid motor vehicle accidents that result in pedestrian accident injuries.
Despite following the law, pedestrians can still suffer serious injuries due to negligent drivers. In this blog, a New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer explains what NJ pedestrian crosswalk law requires, the penalties for violations, and how you can stay safe whether you’re driving or walking in New Jersey.
What the NJ Pedestrian Crosswalk Law Requires
Under New Jersey law, drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. If there is an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who have already started crossing.
Pedestrians also have responsibilities under the law. While they have the right-of-way in crosswalks, they must not suddenly leave the curb or step into the path of a moving vehicle in a way that makes it impossible for the driver to stop safely. Pedestrians must also use sidewalks when available and obey traffic signals.
Key Points of the Law:
- Drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk.
- At unmarked crosswalks, drivers must yield to pedestrians who have already started crossing.
- Pedestrians cannot suddenly enter the road in a way that prevents a driver from stopping in time.
- Drivers must exercise caution at intersections and near schools, parks, and high-foot-traffic areas.
- Both drivers and pedestrians must follow traffic signals and signs.
Penalties for Violating NJ Pedestrian Crosswalk Laws
New Jersey has some of the toughest pedestrian safety laws in the country, and violations carry serious consequences. Additionally, violations can complicate dealings with your insurance company, potentially leading to higher premiums and more difficult claims processes.
For Drivers:
Failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk can result in:
- A $200 fine
- Two points on your driving record
- Up to 15 days of community service
- Possible higher car insurance premiums
For Pedestrians:
If a pedestrian fails to follow the law—such as jaywalking or stepping into traffic unexpectedly—they may be fined $54 for a violation.
What Happens If a Pedestrian Is Partially at Fault?
Many people assume that a pedestrian always has the right-of-way, but that’s not entirely true. In some cases, a pedestrian may be partially at fault for an accident, such as:
- Crossing outside of a crosswalk (jaywalking).
- Walking into the street against a traffic signal.
- Suddenly stepping into traffic without giving a driver enough time to stop.
Pedestrian accident cases often involve complex legal evaluations to determine the extent of fault and appropriate compensation. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1). This means:
- A pedestrian can still recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault.
- If the pedestrian is found to be 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages from the driver.
- If partially at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
The NJ Safe Passing Law: Extra Protection for Pedestrians
In addition to crosswalk laws, New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-92.4) provides further protection for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. This law, which took effect on March 1, 2022, requires drivers to:
- Move over a lane when passing a pedestrian, cyclist, or other vulnerable road user—when possible.
- If moving over is not possible, slow down to 25 mph and leave at least a four-foot buffer when passing.
- If four feet of space is not available, slow down and be prepared to stop until it is safe to pass.
Penalties for Violating the Safe Passing Law:
- If a driver violates the law but no injury occurs, the fine is $100.
- If a driver violates the law and causes bodily injury, the fine is up to $500 and two points on their driving record.
This law strengthens protections for pedestrians, especially in areas where sidewalks or crosswalks may not be clearly marked.
How to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian in New Jersey
Even when following New Jersey pedestrian accident laws, pedestrians remain at risk of serious injuries. Here’s how to reduce your chances of being injured:
- Wear reflective clothing at night or in low-light conditions.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing a marked crosswalk.
- Remain alert and avoid distractions like texting.
- Obey traffic signals and pedestrian walk signs.
- If an accident occurs, file a police report and seek medical attention immediately.
How Drivers Can Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers play a key role in pedestrian safety. Here’s how you can prevent accidents:
- Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks—never assume they will yield.
- Slow down in high-foot-traffic areas such as schools, parks, and city streets.
- Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving.
- Be extra cautious at night and in poor weather conditions when visibility is reduced.
- Follow the Safe Passing Law when approaching pedestrians walking along the road.
What to Do If You Witness a Pedestrian Accident
Not everyone reading this blog will be directly involved in an accident, but knowing what to do if you witness one can be just as important.
If you see a pedestrian accident:
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident.
- Stay at the scene and provide assistance if it is safe to do so.
- Do not move the injured pedestrian, as this could worsen their injuries.
- Give a witness statement to the police. Your testimony could be essential in proving fault.
- Document what you saw, including time, location, and weather conditions.
Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim? Our Injury Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You
Have you or a loved one suffered pedestrian accident injuries due to a negligent driver? At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, our pedestrian accident attorneys have helped countless New Jersey residents seek maximum compensation after being struck by a vehicle.
Recovering from a pedestrian accident is challenging, but you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. With over 30 years of experience representing injured individuals, our team understands how to build strong claims and fight for the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay legal fees unless we win your case. Your search for a “New Jersey personal injury lawyer” or “pedestrian accident attorneys” brought you here. Take the next step and call (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your free consultation today. Let our personal injury attorneys handle the legal process while you focus on recovery. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your legal options.
Copyright © 2025. The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC
72 Essex Street, Suite 2,
Lodi, NJ 07644
(973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
https://peterdavislaw.com/
