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Difficulty: HardPedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Markings

A driver approaches a marked mid-block crosswalk equipped with yellow Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) that are actively flashing after being activated by a pedestrian. The driver stops and yields as the pedestrian steps off the curb and crosses the street. Once the pedestrian has completely crossed the driver's side of the road and moved safely into the opposite lane, the yellow beacons continue flashing rapidly. Which of the following describes the legally correct action for the driver?

  1. A
    Remain completely stopped at the yield line until the yellow beacons turn entirely dark and inactive.
  2. Proceed with caution through the crosswalk once the pedestrian has safely cleared the driver's half of the roadway, even while the beacons are still flashing.Answer
  3. C
    Wait for a solid green vehicular signal indication to appear on an overhead signal head before moving.
  4. D
    Maintain speed without stopping when the beacons first flash, provided the pedestrian is still on the curb looking to cross.

Answer

Proceed with caution through the crosswalk once the pedestrian has safely cleared the driver's half of the roadway, even while the beacons are still flashing.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) use rapid-flashing yellow lights to alert drivers that a pedestrian is crossing or about to cross. Drivers are required to stop and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. However, because RRFBs display flashing yellow warning lights rather than solid red stop signals, a driver who has stopped may legally proceed with caution as soon as the pedestrian has safely cleared the driver's half of the roadway and no other pedestrians are entering, even if the lights continue flashing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal type and its regulatory function.
The device is a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB), which uses user-actuated amber LED flashing lights to supplement standard pedestrian crosswalk warning signs.
RRFBs highlight pedestrian presence but do not operate on a traditional solid red/green signal cycle.
2
Determine the driver's yield obligation upon activation.
When RRFB beacons flash yellow, drivers must yield the right-of-way and stop for any pedestrian crossing within the crosswalk.
State traffic laws mandate yielding to pedestrians in marked crosswalks when warning devices are active.
3
Evaluate legal movement after the pedestrian has safely passed.
Unlike a solid red light, a flashing yellow RRFB does not require a driver to stay stopped until the timer expires if the crosswalk on the driver's half of the road is completely clear.
Once pedestrians have safely cleared the vehicle's lane and path of travel, drivers may proceed past the crosswalk with caution.

Key Concept

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Yield and Proceed Rules
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Pedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Markings

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