Sharing the road in Georgia

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain when Georgia law requires you to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• You can pass a bicyclist legally and safely.
• You can give motorcycles a full lane and a safe following distance.
• You can avoid a truck's No-Zones.
• You can cross railroad tracks safely and know what to do if you stall.

What you need to know and understand

• You must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk on your half of the road, or within one lane of it.
• Crosswalks exist at intersections even when no lines are painted.
• Pedestrians with a white cane or guide dog must be given the right of way at all times.
• When passing a bicyclist, change to a non-adjacent lane if possible; otherwise slow to at least 10 mph under the limit or 25 mph, whichever is more, and leave at least 3 feet.
• A motorcycle is entitled to the full width of a lane; never share it when passing.
• At a railroad crossing with flashing signals or lowered gates, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.

Pedestrians first

Under Georgia law you must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk when they are on your half of the road, or approaching and within one lane of it. Half of the road means all lanes going in your direction. You must also stop for pedestrians when turning, at stop signs, at green lights if they are still crossing, and when leaving a driveway or alley.

Do not pass a car that has stopped at a crosswalk; it may be hiding a person. On multi-lane roads, stop well back from the crosswalk so drivers in the next lane can see the pedestrian. Speed matters too: the Drivers Manual notes that a pedestrian hit at 40 mph has at least an 80 percent risk of death.

Bicycles and motorcycles

Bicyclists may use every Georgia road except interstates and other limited-access highways, and they may use the full lane even if a bike lane exists. To pass, change into a lane not next to the rider if you can. If you cannot, slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit or 25 mph, whichever is higher, and keep at least 3 feet away. Breaking this rule is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $250. Never drive or park in a bike lane except to cross it when turning.

Motorcycles are small and easy to misjudge. Take a second and third look at intersections, where most car and motorcycle crashes happen. Leave three to four seconds of following distance, and pass only in the next lane, never alongside in the same lane.

Trucks, buses and trains

• Trucks have large No-Zones at the sides, front and rear. If you cannot see the driver's face in their mirror, they cannot see you.
• A loaded tractor-trailer at 55 mph needs about three times a car's distance to stop, so never cut in and slow down in front of one.
• Watch for wide right turns by trucks and buses, and do not squeeze into the gap on their right.
• At railroad crossings, stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail when lights flash, gates are down, a flagger signals or a train is close. Never go around gates.
• Only cross if there is room to clear the tracks completely. If you stall on the tracks, get everyone out, move away, and call the number on the Emergency Notification System sign.

Common mistakes

• Passing a stopped car at a crosswalk on a multi-lane road. A hidden pedestrian may step out in front of you.
• Squeezing past a cyclist in the same lane with less than 3 feet to spare.
• Trusting a motorcycle's turn signal. Motorcycle signals often do not cancel themselves, so wait until the rider actually turns.
• Lingering beside a truck on the interstate. Pass steadily or drop back so you are out of its side No-Zone.

Test yourself: Sharing the road in Georgia

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Georgia Joshua’s Law Explained
• Georgia DDS Fees and How to Book Your Road Test
• Georgia Permit Practice Test