Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons increase safety for pedestrians

What is an RRFB

A rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) is a form of traffic control that uses flashing yellow lights at a crosswalk to warn motorists of pedestrians or bicyclists waiting to cross or already crossing the street. A pedestrian pushes the button and the warning lights are activated, notifying motorists of activity in the crosswalk. The pedestrian proceeds carefully into the crosswalk as vehicles yield to the crossing pedestrian or bicyclist. Florida state law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. The flashing lights of an RRFB help to increase a motorist’s awareness of a pedestrian crossing.

How to Use an RRFB

Pedestrians & Bicyclists

• Press the button on the RRFB to activate the flashing lights.
  Look to see that motorists are yielding before proceeding into and through the crosswalk.
• Cross the street, staying within the bounds of the crosswalk and looking both directions to ensure vehicles are yielding.
• When riding in the travel lane, bicyclists should ride in the direction of traffic, obey all traffic laws, and yield to pedestrians.

Motorists

• Always stop for pedestrians and bicyclists entering or in a crosswalk.
• Begin yielding when approaching an activated RRFB.
• Do not pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down at a crosswalk.
• Come to a complete stop at or before the triangular-shaped yield-line pavement markings, or stop before the crosswalk if no yield-line pavement markings exist.
• Do not stop within or block a crosswalk.
• Remain stopped for pedestrians or bicyclists that are within the crosswalk, regardless of whether the RRFB is activated.
• Ensure crosswalk is clear before resuming travel.