The government has confirmed a new crosswalk rule that will be one of the toughest pedestrian protection laws in the country. The crosswalk regulation was introduced in North Carolina, and it mandates all motorists to come to a complete stop for pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes. Those who are found to be breaking this regulation could face fines of up to $1,000 and even imprisonment.
A Major Shift in Pedestrian Right-of-Way
The new regulation, which was introduced under House Bill 275 and signed into law by Governor Josh Stein in July 2025, aims to extend protection for blind and partially impaired pedestrians to reinforce “failure to yield” legislation.
Beginning on December 1, 2025, the new regulation will go into effect. Even in the absence of traffic signals or law enforcement, drivers will have to stop completely anytime a blind pedestrian walks with a guide dog or extends a white cane.
The law aims to clarify that this right-of-way applies at all crossings, including those controlled by lights. Even when a blind pedestrian starts to cross and the signal changes to allow vehicles to move, drivers must remain stationary until the pedestrian has fully crossed the road.
According to officials, the updated rule will eliminate confusion about when it’s safe to proceed. It will also ensure that pedestrians with disabilities are given priority on the roads and are safe without relying on driver judgment or timing.
Strict Penalties for Violations
There will be harsh penalties for violating the new crosswalk rule. Failing to yield to a blind or visually impaired person will now treat drivers as committing a Class 2 misdemeanor. This will mark a serious upgrade from previous infractions. The following consequences await those who violate the new rule:
- $1,000 in fines.
- Prison time of up to 60 days, contingent on past convictions.
- For first-time infractions, a minimum fine of $500 and a 90-day suspension of one’s driver’s license
A Step Toward Safer Streets
The state is currently implementing more extensive traffic safety measures at the same time as the new law. Pedestrian fatalities and injuries have increased in North Carolina in recent years, particularly in metropolitan locations where crossing is hazardous due to low visibility.
The “daylighting” principle, which mandates that cars be parked at least 20 feet away from crosswalks, is also included in the new regulation. By doing this, vehicles’ and pedestrians’ visibility will be improved around crossings by eliminating visual barriers.
Experts argue that these combined efforts will reduce pedestrian accidents by more than 40%. “It’s a simple change that makes it much harder for drivers to claim they ‘didn’t see’ someone in the crosswalk,” said an advocate from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
Community Awareness and Enforcement
Local groups are educating the public to improve community awareness and enforcement, ahead of the law’s implementation in December. During National White Cane Day on October 15, The Beaufort NC Lions Club organized an awareness program to educate locals on how to recognize the white cane and guide dog signals and the need to yield to visually impaired pedestrians.
Before enforcing full enforcement later, law enforcement will prioritize education and warnings in the first few weeks of December. Charges will only be brought against repeat offenders or careless drivers. As part of the preparation, North Carolina municipalities have started painting crosswalks and putting up “No Parking Near Crosswalk” signs.
A National Pedestrian Safety Campaign
North Carolina’s new crosswalk rule is in line with the larger Vision Zero campaign, a national endeavor to eradicate catastrophic injuries and traffic fatalities. This year, states like Oklahoma and Michigan are also enacting more stringent legislation. For example, Michigan’s so-called “Final Destination Law” restricts truck lanes. Tougher DUI and hands-free laws will be implemented in Oklahoma.
Steps Every Driver Should Take Before December 1
Before December 1, drivers in North Carolina are encouraged to review the new rules and adjust their driving habits. The new crosswalk rule can be summarized as follows:
- For pedestrians with guide dogs or white canes, always stop completely.
- Vehicles should never be parked within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk.
- Even if traffic signals change in the middle of a crossing, remain alert.
Drivers risk having their licenses revoked, steep fines and possible jail time for disregarding these steps. According to the new regulation, pedestrian safety and visibility should come first.