Pedestrian signals — Illinois Permit Test

Pedestrians must yield the right of way to drivers by obeying traffic signals, watching walk lights and using crosswalks.

The pedestrian rules are the other half of the driver ones. Both sides have duties at a signalized crossing.

Pedestrians must yield the right of way to drivers by obeying traffic signals, observing walk lights, and using crosswalks.

A walking person symbol means a pedestrian facing the signal may cross the roadway in the direction it shows.

It is the only pedestrian signal that means start crossing. Everything else means do not start.

Walk (walking person) - If you are facing the signal, you may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal.

A flashing orange upraised hand means a pedestrian must not start to enter the roadway, though somebody who has partly crossed on the walk signal may continue to a sidewalk or safety island.

The flashing hand is a countdown, not a stop. It stops new crossings and lets the ones underway finish.

Don’t Walk (flashing orange upraised hand) - Do not start to enter the roadway. If you have partially completed crossing during the constantly lit walk signal, you may continue to a sidewalk or safety island.

A constantly lit orange upraised hand means a pedestrian must not enter the roadway at all.

Steady means stay where you are. That is the difference from the flashing version.

Don’t Walk (constantly lit orange upraised hand) - Do not enter the roadway.

What must an Illinois pedestrian do at a signalized crossing?

Obey the signals and use the crosswalks. The pedestrian rules are the other half of the driver ones. Both sides have duties at a signalized crossing. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.78: “Pedestrians must yield the right of way to drivers by obeying traffic signals, observing walk lights, and using crosswalks.”