Tennessee § 55-8-134 - Pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-134 — Pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 55-8-134. Pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks.

Unless in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, when traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. When in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. The driver shall remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed the roadway on which the vehicle is stopped. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. Subsection (a) does not apply under the conditions stated in § 55-8-135(b). Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 33; T.C.A., § 59-834; Acts 2008, ch. 776, § 1. Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 4 Tenn. Juris., Automobiles, §§ 2, 11.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 55-8-134

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-134 cover?

Section 55-8-134 ("Pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 55-8-134?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-134" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 55-8-134 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.