At an intersection with a green signal light, who has the right-of-way?

At an intersection with a green signal light, pedestrians crossing with the light have the right-of-way. This is because traffic signals are designed to control the flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic safely. When the signal is green for vehicles, it does not negate the pedestrian signal that allows individuals to safely cross the street.

Pedestrians who are crossing with the light are making use of the designated safe crossing time, which is communicated through the signal. This key aspect supports the overall goal of traffic law: ensuring the safety of all road users, particularly those who may be more vulnerable, such as pedestrians.

While vehicles turning left or right must also yield to pedestrians crossing legally, they only have the right-of-way once the pedestrian signal indicates it’s safe to cross. Thus, understanding the priority of pedestrian movements at traffic signals is essential for promoting safety at intersections. When pedestrians are crossing against the light, they are not following the traffic rules intended for pedestrian safety, so they do not have the right-of-way in this situation.