Dallas, TX Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- TX Transportation Code 552.005
- Typical fine range
- $25 to $200 plus costs
- Enforcement focus
- Downtown, Deep Ellum, DART stations
- Decriminalized?
- No, still enforced
- Mid-block crossing
- Prohibited between signals
Summary
Texas Transportation Code Section 552.005 requires pedestrians to yield right-of-way when crossing outside marked crosswalks, and Dallas police enforce jaywalking citations in downtown, Deep Ellum, and around DART stations to address pedestrian safety.
Sec. 552.005. CROSSING AT POINT OTHER THAN CROSSWALK. (a) A pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway if crossing a roadway at a place:(1) other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection; or(2) where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided.(b) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk.(c) A pedestrian may cross a roadway intersection diagonally only if and in the manner authorized by a traffic control device.
Full Breakdown
Texas state law governs jaywalking through Transportation Code Chapter 552. Section 552.005 requires pedestrians crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to yield right-of-way to vehicles. Section 552.003 requires drivers to yield at marked crosswalks. Crossing between adjacent signalized intersections is prohibited. Dallas Police enforce citations primarily in high-traffic pedestrian corridors including downtown, Deep Ellum, the Arts District, and around DART rail stations. Citations carry fines around $25 to $200 depending on circumstances. Dallas has not decriminalized jaywalking, unlike some peer cities, but enforcement is discretionary and typically targeted at safety hot spots.
Violations & Fines
Standard jaywalking citation under Texas Transportation Code Section 552.005 carries fines around $25 to $200 plus court costs. Failure to yield resulting in a crash may upgrade to a more serious traffic offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jaywalking a criminal offense in Dallas?
Where do Dallas police actively enforce jaywalking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview
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Jaywalking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle jaywalking.