HAWK Signals

A  High-intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signal, also known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, is a traffic control device installed at unsignalized locations to assist pedestrians crossing a street. 

The first HAWK signal was installed on 3rd St between San Rafael High School and Montecito Shopping Plaza in 2021. The installation of HAWK signals are planned at two additional locations:

• Francisco Blvd E near Grand Ave (Construction Fall 2025)
• Pt San Pedro and Summit Ave (County project)

Drivers

The HAWK signal remains dark until pedestrian activated. Drivers are permitted to move through crosswalk. When the signal begins flashing yellow and turning into solid yellow, it means that pedestrians have activated the signals and are preparing to cross. Drivers are to reduce speeds and prepare to come to a stop, as they would with a regular traffic signal. As the the signal moves to a solid red, drivers must come to a complete stop to allow pedestrians to cross. Once the signal starts flashing red, drivers must still come to a complete stop, however, they can proceed if pedestrians have cleared the intersection. The signal will then  go dark until pedestrian activation.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians activate the HAWK signal by using the pedestrian push button. They should wait after using the pedestrian push button until they see the WALK signal. Once the WALK signal turns on, pedestrians are permitted to cross as time allows. Once the timer runs out, new pedestrians must re-activate the signal with the pedestrian push button.