Drivers Must Stop At Flashing Beacons: West Orange Traffic Reminder

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Drivers need to stop – and stay stopped – when they come across the flashing lights of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalk. And with eight of them now in West Orange, it’s a good time to remember that it can rack up some serious penalties for motorists who forget the law, officials say.

There are now eight RRFB crosswalks in West Orange, including three on Main Street, according to a municipal advisory from the township. Officials pointed out that there are also RRFBs in many neighboring towns and all throughout New Jersey.

In New Jersey, the law requires motorists to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, especially at intersections. This law is also applicable when a pedestrian activates a RRFB at a crosswalk.

Here are the key points of New Jersey's pedestrian crosswalk law, West Orange public safety officials said:

• Stopping for Pedestrians: New Jersey law mandates that drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk. This applies whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked at an intersection.
• RRFB Crosswalks: When an RRFB is activated, motorists must stop for the pedestrian. The flashing lights signal that a pedestrian is either in or about to enter the crosswalk. Drivers must remain stopped until the pedestrian has safely crossed the road.
• Penalties: Failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk in New Jersey can result in fines up to $200, 2 points on the driver's license, and up to 15 days of community service. Additionally, the violation may lead to higher insurance premiums.

“New Jersey and West Orange take pedestrian safety seriously, and these laws are strictly enforced to protect both pedestrians and drivers,” the town’s advisory states.

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