Study guide
4.2 Pedestrian Crossings
Barbados Regulation Examination Exam
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1 Chapter 1: The Regulation Examination and the Licensing Path
1.1 The Regulation Examination: Facts, Booking and Study Plan 1.2 Learner's Permit Conditions and Supervision 1.3 Driving Test, Licence Classes, Renewal and Demerit Points
2 Chapter 2: Traffic Signs
2.1 Sign Shapes, Colours and Legal Force 2.2 Warning Signs in the Ninth Schedule 2.3 Regulatory Signs: Prohibitions and Mandatory Orders 2.4 Information Signs, Temporary Signs and Construction Zones
3 Chapter 3: Light Signals, Driver Signals and Police Directions
3.1 Traffic Light Signals 3.2 Driver Signals, the Horn and Police Directions
4 Chapter 4: Road Markings and Pedestrian Crossings
4.1 Road Markings and Lane Use 4.2 Pedestrian Crossings
5 Chapter 5: Road Position, Overtaking, Junctions and Roundabouts
5.1 Keeping Left, Being Overtaken and Overtaking 5.2 Junctions, Turning and Emerging 5.3 Roundabouts
6 Chapter 6: Speed Limits and Stopping Distances
6.1 Barbados Speed Limits 6.2 Following Distance and Stopping Distance
7 Chapter 7: Stopping, Parking and Lights
7.1 Stopping, Waiting and Parking Rules 7.2 Lighting-Up Times and Use of Lights
8 Chapter 8: Vehicle Condition, Loads and Occupant Safety
8.1 Vehicle Condition, Equipment, Loads and Towing 8.2 Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats
9 Chapter 9: Alcohol, Drugs, Distraction and Fitness to Drive
9.1 Alcohol, Drugs and the Breath-Test Law 9.2 Phones, Distractions, Fatigue and Fitness to Drive
10 Chapter 10: Sharing the Road
10.1 Pedestrians, Children and Processions 10.2 Cyclists and Motorcyclists 10.3 Animals, Animal-Drawn Vehicles and Slow Traffic 10.4 Emergency Vehicles, Buses and Public Service Vehicles
11 Chapter 11: Accidents, Insurance and Traffic Offences
11.1 Duties After an Accident 11.2 Insurance, Documents and Traffic Offences
12 Chapter 12: Defensive Driving and Emergencies
12.1 Defensive Driving and Hazard Perception 12.2 Rain, Night, Breakdowns and Emergencies
4.2 Pedestrian Crossings
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
An uncontrolled crossing is marked with alternate black and white stripes, with studs marking its limits (Seventh Schedule).
A pedestrian who is on the carriageway within the crossing limits before your vehicle enters them has precedence, and you must give it (reg. 115(3)).
You must not stop within the limits of a crossing unless prevented by circumstances beyond your control or to avoid an accident (reg. 115(4)).
You must not stop within 10 metres of a pedestrian crossing unless traffic compels you to (reg. 31(9)(a)).
At signal-controlled crossings, a flashing green figure tells pedestrians not to start crossing, so expect people still finishing (reg. 113).
Last updated: October 2026
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road, and crossings are where drivers and pedestrians are legally required to cooperate. The rules are in Part XIII (regulation 115) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 1984, the Seventh Schedule , and regulation 113 for pedestrian light signals.
What a crossing looks like (Seventh Schedule)
A crossing to which the Seventh Schedule applies is marked on the carriageway with a pattern of alternate black and white stripes . Where the road surface already contrasts well with white, the surface itself can form the "black" stripes.
Each stripe is normally at least 40 cm wide (or not less than 30 cm where the Chief Technical Officer authorises it).
The first stripe at each end may be up to 100 cm wide, and other stripes up to 56 cm (up to 66 cm where authorised).
The stripes run between lines of studs that mark the crossing's limits.
A "Pedestrian crossing ahead" warning triangle is often placed before crossings that are hidden by bends or crests (see 2.2).
Uncontrolled crossings and pedestrian precedence
An uncontrolled crossing is one marked under the Seventh Schedule where traffic is not for the time being controlled by a police officer, traffic warden in uniform or other authorised person (reg. 115(1)(b)). At such a crossing:
Every pedestrian on the carriageway within the limits of the crossing has precedence over any vehicle, and the driver "shall accord such precedence," if the pedestrian is on the carriageway within those limits before the vehicle or any part of it has come onto the carriageway within those limits (reg. 115(3)).
A pedestrian waiting on the kerb does not yet have legal precedence, but a careful driver slows down and is ready to stop for anyone who looks as if they will cross.
No stopping on or near a crossing
Rule Source
Do not stop within the limits of a crossing unless prevented by circumstances beyond your control or to avoid an accident reg. 115(4)
Do not stop on the carriageway of an uncontrolled crossing or in the stud-marked approach to it reg. 115(5)
Do not stop within 10 metres of any pedestrian crossing (or corner or bus stop) unless compelled by traffic reg. 31(9)(a)
Pedestrians must not stay on the crossing longer than necessary to cross with reasonable despatch reg. 115(6)
Breaking regulation 115(3) to (6) is an offence (reg. 115(7)). Why the 10-metre rule matters: a vehicle parked close to a crossing hides small children and wheelchair users from approaching drivers.
Crossings controlled by people or lights
Police or wardens. When a uniformed police officer or traffic warden is controlling a crossing, follow their signals. Pedestrians must also obey a police officer regulating traffic (reg. 150).
Pedestrian lights (reg. 113). A steady red figure means pedestrians should not cross. A steady green figure means they should cross. A flashing green figure means they should not start to cross. Drivers follow their own vehicle signals, but must expect pedestrians still on the crossing when the green figure starts flashing.
Driving safely near crossings
Look well ahead for the stripes, the studs and people waiting at the kerb, especially near schools, shops, bus stops and churches.
Slow down early so that you can stop smoothly if someone steps out.
Stop before the crossing , not on it, when traffic ahead is queuing. Leave the crossing clear.
Do not overtake near a crossing. A vehicle ahead may be stopping for a pedestrian you cannot see. Regulation 31(6) also forbids overtaking where you cannot see far enough ahead.
Be patient. Do not rev your engine, edge forward or sound the horn at people on the crossing.
Remember children and older people. They may move unpredictably or slowly, so allow them time.
School crossings
Near schools, children may cross with the help of a school crossing warden. Barbados test papers stress obeying wardens' signals and watching for children around stopped buses and parked vans. Drive slowly through school areas at opening and closing times even when no special limit is posted.
Common exam traps
"The pedestrian must wait until traffic stops." At an uncontrolled crossing the law runs the other way: once the pedestrian is on the carriageway within the crossing first, you must give way.
"Stopping on the crossing is fine in a traffic jam." It is not. Stop short and keep the stripes clear.
"Waving pedestrians across is polite." Let pedestrians decide for themselves. A wave can lead someone into the path of a vehicle in the next lane that has not stopped.
Distance numbers. The statutory figure for not stopping near a crossing, corner or bus stop is 10 metres (reg. 31(9)(a)).