Jaywalking
Public Conduct
CA AB-2147 (Freedom to Walk Act, 2023) restricting jaywalking citations to immediate-danger situations, and how LAPD enforces the new standard.
How Jaywalking Rules Differ by Place
Jefferson Parish, LA: Pedestrian Crossing Ban on Jefferson Parish Overpasses
Heavy RestrictionsJefferson Parish bans pedestrians and bicyclists, even someone walking a bike, from crossing three of its busiest elevated crossings on foot: the Lapalco Boulevard bridge over the…
Cook County, IL: Illinois Jaywalking Rules Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1003 Apply Countywide
Few RestrictionsIllinois retains jaywalking enforcement under Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003, requiring pedestrians to yield outside marked crosswalks and to use crosswalks where signals exist. Cook…
New York, NY: NYC Jaywalking Is Legal Mid-Block
Few RestrictionsNew York City explicitly allows pedestrians to cross mid-block, outside marked or unmarked crosswalks, under Local Law 2024/098: crossing there isn't a violation as long as the…
Austin, TX: Texas Jaywalking Rule: Pedestrians Yield Outside Crosswalks
Few RestrictionsTexas Transportation Code Section 552.005 requires pedestrians crossing outside marked crosswalks or intersections to yield right-of-way to vehicles; Austin enforces this state statute…
Bessemer, AL: Bessemer Business District Crosswalk Requirement
Some RestrictionsIn Bessemer's business district, pedestrians can only cross a street at an intersection, at a right angle, and within the sidewalk lines extended across it. Crossing mid-block or…
Montgomery, AL: Montgomery, Alabama Jaywalking & Crosswalk Rules
Some RestrictionsIn Montgomery, Alabama's business districts, City Code Sec. 27-344 requires pedestrians to cross only in a crosswalk. Elsewhere, mid-block crossing is legal but Sec. 27-343 requires…
Cities & Counties with Jaywalking Rules
366 locations
Arizona
Illinois
New York
Washington
Other Public Conduct Topics
Aggressive Panhandling
LAMC §41.59 prohibits panhandling that involves intimidation, blocking, or following a person, including penalties and how it differs from passive solicitation.
Public Urination
LAMC §41.47.2 prohibits urinating or defecating in public, including the citation amount, exemptions for medical conditions, and where to find restroom alternatives.
Skateboarding Rules
LAMC §56.15 and §63.44 limits on skateboarding on sidewalks, in parks, and in commercial corridors, including helmet requirements and skate-park designations.
Loud Party Ordinance
LAMC §41.40 unruly-gathering ordinance allowing police to cite hosts for second-response calls, including escalating fines and permit-revocation triggers.
Loitering Rules
Constitutional limits on loitering ordinances post-Papachristou and Morales, and what conduct LA can still penalize (e.g., loitering with intent to commit specific crimes).
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
LAMC §41.50 + LA County smoking bans in parks, beaches, restaurants, outdoor dining, and within 25 ft of business entrances; enforcement and signage rules.
Public Marijuana Use
CA Health & Safety Code §11362.3 prohibits cannabis use in public, including parks, sidewalks, and inside vehicles; penalties and consumption-lounge exceptions.
Public Alcohol Use
LAMC §41.27 + CA Bus & Prof §25620 prohibit drinking alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and beaches; penalties and special-event exemptions.