Yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists

Key points

1. You must yield to a pedestrian in any crosswalk, even an unmarked one.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-1

   “You must yield when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, even if it is unmarked”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-1

2. For a pedestrian guided by a dog or carrying a white cane, come to a complete stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-1

   “When a pedestrian is crossing a street guided by a dog or carrying a white cane, you must come to a complete stop.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-1

3. Yield to all pedestrians in the intersection, even on a green light.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-1

   “You must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians in the intersection even if the traffic light is green.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-1

4. When turning right on red, be prepared to yield to pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-2

   “When making a right turn on red, you must be prepared to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-2

5. Bicycles on roadways are vehicles, with the same rights and responsibilities as you.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-2

   “Bicycles are considered vehicles when on roadways.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-2

6. Yield to bicyclists in intersections as you would to pedestrians and other vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-3

   “Yield to bicyclists in intersections as you would for pedestrians and other vehicles.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-3

7. Avoid honking near bicyclists unless a collision is possible.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-3

   “Avoid sounding your horn close to bicyclists unless there is a chance of a collision.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-3

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. What must a South Carolina driver do when a pedestrian crossing the street is guided by a dog or carrying a white cane?

   1. Pass quickly before the pedestrian reaches the lane
   2. Sound the horn and continue
   3. Come to a complete stop
   4. Stop only if a traffic signal is red
   Show answer

   Come to a complete stop. A pedestrian using a guide dog or white cane is treated as visually impaired, and the driver must come to a complete stop. Honking does not substitute for yielding, and passing quickly creates the very danger the rule addresses. The duty does not depend on a red signal because it is based on the pedestrian's protected crossing. The visual cue is the dog or white cane, followed by a full stop and a safe wait.

2. 2. Before turning right on red in South Carolina, what pedestrian-related duty applies?

   1. Proceed without checking because red permits the turn
   2. Pedestrians must always yield to the turning vehicle
   3. Be prepared to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians
   4. Yield only to pedestrians behind the vehicle
   Show answer

   Be prepared to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. A right turn on red does not remove the driver's obligation to watch for pedestrians and be prepared to yield. The turning vehicle does not gain automatic priority, and the driver must not treat the red signal as permission to skip the scan. The rule covers pedestrians in the turn area, not only someone behind the vehicle. Before moving, stop as required, check the crosswalk and intersection, then yield and turn only when clear.

3. 3. How does South Carolina classify bicycles when they are traveling on roadways?

   1. As vehicles
   2. As stationary hazards
   3. As emergency vehicles
   4. As pedestrians in every situation
   Show answer

   As vehicles. Bicycles are considered vehicles when they are on roadways, and riders are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles. Calling every bicycle a pedestrian would overlook that roadway status. Emergency-vehicle treatment and stationary-hazard treatment are also unrelated. The driving cue is to scan for bicycles at intersections, yield as required, and give them room rather than assuming a motorist always has priority.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 10: Sharing the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.