Fall River, MA Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty
- Yield to vehicles outside crosswalk
- Tunnels/overpasses
- Mandatory where provided
- Penalty basis
- MGL c. 90, § 18A
- Applies
- City of Fall River, Massachusetts
Summary
Pedestrians crossing a Fall River street outside a marked crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, and must use a pedestrian tunnel or overpass where one is provided.
Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. At a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overpass has been provided, pedestrians shall cross the roadway only by the proper use of the tunnel or overpass.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under § 70-417 of the Fall River Code, any pedestrian who crosses a roadway at a point other than within a marked crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on that roadway. Where the city has built a pedestrian tunnel or overpass at a crossing point, pedestrians must use it rather than cross at street level. Violations of this pedestrian-control article are punished under state law, MGL c. 90, § 18A, per § 70-411.
Violations & Fines
Punished as provided in MGL c. 90, § 18A per § 70-411; police may cite pedestrians who fail to yield outside a crosswalk or bypass a required tunnel/overpass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jaywalking illegal in Fall River, MA?
Do I have to use a pedestrian overpass in Fall River?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
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Jaywalking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle jaywalking.