Driver's License Test Prep
California Practice Road Markings

The purpose of a crisscross diagonal-crosswalk pattern painted at an intersection is to allow pedestrians to:

  1. A.
    Cross without waiting for the WALK signal to be displayed
  2. B.
    Cross only when the vehicle signal shows red in every direction
  3. C.
    Cross the intersection in any direction at the same time Correct
The Why

The answer is "Cross the intersection in any direction at the same time"

The diagonal crosswalk pattern is painted so pedestrians may cross in any direction at once, including corner to corner across the intersection. Choice B is the trap for drivers who reasonably expect an all-directions-red phase to be the crossing cue, but the manual makes the WALK signal the pedestrian's indicator, not a read of the vehicle lights.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. Cross without waiting for the WALK signal to be displayed

The manual keeps the WALK-signal rule in force at diagonal crosswalks. This answer reads the special paint pattern as license to skip the WALK-signal rule.

B. Cross only when the vehicle signal shows red in every direction

The manual ties diagonal crossing to the WALK signal, not to any read of the vehicle signals. This answer expects an all-directions-red signal phase to be the pedestrian cue at a diagonal crossing.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Road Markings in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Diagonal Crossing," p.35..

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