Laws regarding when drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the motor vehicle code, traffic code, or transportation code, for example. Cities and towns (municipalities) may also have local laws (ordinances) that govern when and where pedestrians or drivers have the right of way.

Although laws vary from state to state, in most states:

• Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

• Drivers must yield to a pedestrian crossing on a sidewalk in front of an alley, building, driveway, or private road.

• Drivers must yield to a pedestrian crossing the street and approaching the driver’s half of the roadway.

And in most states:

• Pedestrians must yield the right of way to motor vehicles if the pedestrian is crossing anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

• When there are traffic lights present, pedestrians may only cross when there is a flashing walk signal (often showing the seconds remaining in the walk period).

In Tennessee, the laws regarding the right of way for pedestrians are outlined in the state's traffic codes. Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks. This includes yielding to pedestrians crossing a sidewalk that emerges from an alley, driveway, building, or private road. Additionally, if a pedestrian is crossing the street and is on the same half of the roadway as the driver or is approaching so closely from the opposite half to be in danger, drivers must yield. Conversely, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing the road at any point that is not a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Regarding traffic signals, pedestrians are permitted to cross only in accordance with the pedestrian traffic signal, and when the signal indicates a 'walk' phase with a flashing or steady symbol. It's important to note that local municipalities in Tennessee may have additional ordinances that further regulate pedestrian and vehicle interactions, so it is advisable to be aware of local laws as well.