While pedestrians are encouraged to cross at intersections, it is legal for a pedestrian to cross a street at mid-block in many circumstances. Large and complex intersections often require substantial delay and long crossing distances for pedestrians. This can lead them to seek less complex crossing locations, usually at mid-block locations.

Laws vary, but, in general, only if pedestrians are between two adjacent signalized intersections, it is a violation for them to cross the street mid-block. Any intersection – no matter how small, even a “T” intersection – constitutes an intersection.

However, even when it's legal to cross at mid-block locations, pedestrians still do not have the right-of-way.

If the pedestrian is between adjacent, signaled intersections, it is illegal for him or her to cross the street mid-block. (3-4)

Select the graphic to the right to learn more.