Crosswalk Enforcement in Liberia: A Step Forward That Must Go Further

Liberia's renewed pedestrian enforcement effort is welcome — but lasting road safety demands that drivers, infrastructure, and public awareness all rise to meet it.

On February 6, 2026, the Liberia National Police (LNP) announced a renewed enforcement effort targeting pedestrians who cross roads outside designated crosswalks. Under Liberia's traffic regulations, pedestrians who fail to use marked crossings are subject to a fine of five United States dollars (US$5).

This enforcement action is supported by Liberia's 1972 Vehicle and Traffic Law — specifically §10.102 and §10.103 — which require pedestrians to cross at marked crosswalks where they exist and to comply with traffic signals or control devices.

From a road safety perspective, this initiative represents an important step toward improving pedestrian safety and restoring order on Liberia's increasingly busy urban roads. At Road Safety Action International Liberia, we welcome this development.

However, enforcement targeting pedestrians alone will not achieve the intended safety outcomes unless it is complemented by broader enforcement, driver compliance, and public awareness. Three critical issues must be addressed.

"Road safety is most effective when it follows the principle of shared responsibility — pedestrians must use crosswalks, drivers must respect them, and authorities must ensure the system works."

1. Enforce Laws Against Parking on Crosswalks

Sections §10.57, §10.77, and §10.81(b) and (c) of the traffic law prohibit drivers from stopping or parking on pedestrian crossings or in locations that obstruct pedestrian movement.

Yet in many parts of Monrovia and other Liberian cities, vehicles frequently park directly on crosswalk markings. This forces pedestrians into moving traffic, exposing them to serious risk and effectively defeating the purpose of the crosswalk.

For crosswalk enforcement to succeed, drivers must also be held accountable. Strict enforcement against illegal parking on pedestrian crossings would restore the functionality of these safety features and reinforce the legitimacy of the law.

2. Enforce Drivers' Duty to Yield to Pedestrians

Section §10.101(3) of Liberia's traffic law clearly requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing within a marked crosswalk.

Unfortunately, many drivers are either unaware of this provision or choose to ignore it. In practice, vehicles often continue moving even when pedestrians are attempting to cross legally — making crosswalks feel unsafe and unreliable.

As a result, many pedestrians choose to cross wherever they find an opportunity rather than walking to a crosswalk that drivers do not respect. Without enforcing driver compliance, crosswalk enforcement risks placing responsibility solely on pedestrians while ignoring a major contributor to unsafe road conditions.

3. Expand Public Awareness Nationwide

The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the LNP and other stakeholders, has conducted various road safety campaigns in recent years. However, public understanding of crosswalk rules remains limited — especially outside the capital.

Many Liberians — both pedestrians and drivers — are not fully aware of their legal rights and obligations at pedestrian crossings. Effective enforcement must therefore be accompanied by nationwide public education, reaching not only Monrovia but rural counties and secondary cities as well.

Awareness efforts could include:

• Radio broadcasts and community awareness campaigns
• School-based road safety education programs
• Driver refresher training and licensing integration
• Visible road signage and improved crosswalk markings
• Partnerships with civil society and faith-based organizations

Road Safety Action International has demonstrated through its programs that targeted education can significantly improve driver behavior and public understanding of traffic law. This is precisely the kind of integrated effort that Liberia needs now.

Toward a Balanced Road Safety Approach

The renewed enforcement of pedestrian crossing rules is a positive development for Liberia's road safety sector. But sustainable improvements will require a balanced strategy that addresses the responsibilities of both pedestrians and drivers equally.

To maximize impact, enforcement efforts should include:

• Strict penalties for illegal parking on crosswalks
• Active enforcement of drivers' obligation to yield to pedestrians
• Nationwide road safety education campaigns
• Improved road markings and pedestrian infrastructure investment

Road Safety Action International is committed to evidence-based advocacy, public education, and partnering with government to build a culture of safety on Liberian roads.