Share the Road

Remember: Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians share the road, and pedestrians have the right-of-way.

At signalized intersections with pedestrian signals, WALK is on for pedestrians while some vehicles have a green light. Vehicles with a green light might turn left or right into a crosswalk where pedestrians are crossing. Vehicles must yield to the pedestrians.

Conversely, WALK may be on for pedestrians while some vehicles have a red light. At some intersections, vehicles are permitted to turn right on red after coming to a full stop. Again, vehicles must always yield to pedestrians.

Signalized Intersections

In Tallahassee, the law requires that the bumper or most forward part of the vehicle be behind the stop bar. This allows technology at the intersection (e.g., loops of wire embedded in the pavement, video detection, etc.) to detect that a vehicle is present and needs a signal. Keep in mind that main streets usually get more green time since a larger number of vehicles travel these routes.

Using data, the City’s traffic engineers program the signals so that, ideally, the greatest volume of traffic safely moves in the shortest amount of time. Signals are usually programmed so that each intersection is timed to work with other intersections. A full cycle at a given intersection might take several minutes, especially when two major streets cross.

If you think the timing is off at a given intersection, you can report the issue using DigiTally, the City's customer service mobile app, or by calling 850-891-4968. (If a signal is completely out and you have a cell phone, dial *COP to be connected to the Tallahassee Police Department, which will dispatch personnel to assist with traffic control.)

Specialized Traffic Signals

Flashing Yellow Arrow
At select intersections, Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signals allow motorists to make an indicated turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. At these signals,

• The red arrow means stop. No turns are allowed.
• The solid yellow arrow alerts motorists that they should be prepared to stop or complete their turn.
• The flashing yellow arrow means that turns are allowed. Motorists must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and oncoming traffic as oncoming traffic has a green light.
• The green arrow means GO. It is safe to turn; oncoming traffic must stop.

Mid-block Pedestrian Crossing Signals
In some areas, like Gaines Street and Betton Road, mid-block pedestrian crossing signals have been installed. These flashing lights, located adjacent to the roadway, are activated by people waiting to cross the street. Drivers should slow down safely and stop outside of the mid-block crosswalk to allow pedestrians to cross. Once the pedestrians have cleared the roadway, vehicles can continue through the crosswalk, even if the flashing lights are still active.

HAWK Signal
The High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (or HAWK for short) is located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Gadsden Street. Its flashing lights alert motorists when pedestrians are ready to cross the road. Like mid-block crossings, this signal is activated by people waiting to cross the street. Motorists should treat the crossing like a normal traffic signal and come to full stop when the lights turn red. This stop only takes a few moments while pedestrians cross safely. Afterward, motorists can continue on their way.