Wisconsin is a pedestrian-rights state.
This means drivers must slow down, or stop, if necessary, to avoid hitting or blocking a pedestrian. Motorists must be especially aware of this when turning right at a red light.
At intersections with "walk" and "don't walk" signals, pedestrians may start to cross the street only with the "walk" light. When the "walk" light changes to a flashing "don't walk", pedestrians who have already started to cross may continue, and motorists must yield the right of way.
At intersections with traffic signals, motorists may only turn on a green light when it won't endanger or block a pedestrian who is crossing in the crosswalk on a green or "walk" signal. At an intersection without signals, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians who cross the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Blind Pedestrians
Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from a pedestrian carrying a white cane or using a guide dog. Wisconsin Statute 346.24
Crossing at uncontrolled intersection crosswalk.
- At an intersection or crosswalk where traffic is not controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic officer, the operator of a vehicle shall yield right-of-way to a pedestrian, or to a person riding a bicycle in a manner which is consistent with the safe use of the crosswalk by pedestrians, who are crossing the highway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
- No pedestrian or bicyclist shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run or ride into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is difficult for the operator of the vehicle to yield.
- Whenever any vehicle is stopped at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian or bicyclist to cross the roadway, the operator of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
Penalties for violation of this statute can be as much as $300.00 plus court costs and a 4-point assessment against your driving record.