Cleveland, OH Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- §471.03, mirrors RC 4511.48
- Mid-block rule
- Must yield to traffic if not in a crosswalk
- Signalized blocks
- Crossing only in a marked crosswalk between signals
- Diagonal crossing
- Barred unless signals authorize it
- Default penalty
- Minor misdemeanor, up to $150 fine
- Repeat offense
- 4th-degree misdemeanor, up to $250 & 30 days
Summary
Cleveland's Codified Ordinances require a pedestrian who crosses outside a marked or unmarked intersection crosswalk to yield to all vehicle traffic, bar mid-block crossing between two signalized intersections, and prohibit diagonal crossing unless a signal specifically allows it. A violation is a minor misdemeanor carrying up to a $150 fine under the citywide traffic penalty section.
(a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, trackless trolleys, or streetcars upon the roadway. (b) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic upon the roadway. (c) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. (d) No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic control devices pertaining to such crossing movements.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Current through legislation passed September 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
48, sets the city's jaywalking rule. 03(a)). 03(b)). 03(c)). 03(d)). 03(e)). 99: a first offense with no predicate traffic conviction in the past year is a minor misdemeanor, capped at a $150 fine with no jail exposure; one prior conviction within a year bumps it to a fourth-degree misdemeanor (up to 30 days and a $250 fine), and two or more priors make it a third-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days and a $500 fine).
Violations & Fines
A first offense is a minor misdemeanor under §403.99(a)(1): no jail, up to a $150 fine. One predicate traffic conviction within the prior year raises it to a fourth-degree misdemeanor (up to 30 days, $250); two or more priors make it a third-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days, $500), per §403.99(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to jaywalk in Cleveland?
What's the fine for jaywalking in Cleveland?
Can I cross a Cleveland intersection diagonally?
If I cross mid-block and get hit, is the driver still at fault?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland
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Jaywalking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle jaywalking.