Rule applies to zebra crossings with and without orange Belisha beacons. Zerba crossings across cycle paths also given legal backing.Clarity has been added to legislation outlining how drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians waiting to cross at zebra crossings, not just those who have started to cross.Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan made the change to the Road Traffic(Trafficand Parking) Regulations, which are secondary legislation that forms part of the road traffic law.The written legal changes outline how a driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian who is waiting to cross or has commenced crossing the road at the crossing.In legal terms, shall means must and where the Road Traffic Acts and related secondary legislation mention drivers, the phrase generally includes people in control of bicycles, e-scooters, motorcycles, or any motor vehicle. Previously, the law outlined that drivers must yield the right of way to any pedestrian who has commenced crossing the road at the crossing. It is understood that both Courts and insurance companies viewed this as including people who showed an intention of crossing, but such cases rarely go above the District Court or Circuit Court level, where there are rarely written judgments. The new situation gives clarity in written legislation, which can be read by anybody online.The new regulations also allow for zebra crossings across cycle tracks.The firming up of legislation follows the recent changes which allows councils around Ireland to roll out zebra crossings without expensive Belishabeacons. As reported in March, the move followed a trial which found different options to be safe and effective.The Belisha beacons are still be an option depending on the situation, but now so too will continental-style zebra crossing signs with the addition of a fluorescent high-vis border, and, for low-speed environments, the option of raised zebra crossings with painted markings without any sign or beacons.IMAGE: Example image from Traffic Signs Manual advice note of a zebra crossing with just signs.