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Pedestrian lightsItaly

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Italy. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Italy

33. Pedestrian lights

Pedestrian lights are traffic signals that regulate when pedestrians may begin crossing a road. They normally display a red standing figure to prohibit starting and a green walking figure to permit crossing.

A flashing signal or countdown may warn that the permitted crossing period is ending. Pedestrians should cross without unnecessary delay, while turning drivers must remain alert and allow pedestrians who entered lawfully to finish crossing safely.

Pedestrian traffic lights in Grottaglie. (Apulia, Italy)
Wikimedia.org • Pierfrancesco Prudentino • CC BY-SA
What do pedestrian traffic signals mean in Italy?

Green permits crossing; red forbids entering. Amber means clear the crossing: pedestrians already on it must leave it as quickly as possible, while those still on the pavement must not start.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code article 41(5),(9)-(12),(15)

What if the pedestrian signal changes while you are crossing in Italy?

When the pedestrian signal changes to amber, clear the crossing as quickly as possible. If you have not started, remain on the pavement. Red forbids entering the carriageway.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code article 41(5),(9)-(12),(15)

May turning drivers ignore pedestrians on a signal-controlled crossing in Italy?

No. Drivers proceeding on green must give way to pedestrians and cyclists who are simultaneously permitted to cross. A vehicle signal does not remove this duty.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code article 41(5),(9)-(12),(15)

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