Grand Forks, ND Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)

Section 8-0401 of the Grand Forks City Code sets the mid-block and jaywalking rule for the city. Where traffic signals are in operation, pedestrians may not cross or enter any road except in a marked crosswalk; where no crosswalk is marked, the ordinance requires pedestrians to walk directly from one traffic signal to the opposing one, rather than diagonally or mid-block. Pedestrians also cannot cross or enter a road when a traffic-control device or sign specifically prohibits it, and they cannot enter any roadway the city has designated as closed to pedestrian traffic.

The section is not an absolute ban on crossing outside a crosswalk: subsection (4) allows a pedestrian to cross a roadway where crossing is not otherwise prohibited, provided the pedestrian yields the right-of-way to every vehicle on that roadway. Subsection (5) lets a police officer wave pedestrians across mid-block when directing traffic.

The Grand Forks Police Department enforces section 8-0401 alongside the companion rules in section 8-0403 (obedience to traffic-control signals and officers) and section 8-0404 (right-of-way for pedestrians at regulated crosswalks). A violation is charged as a noncriminal traffic offense under Article 14 of Chapter VIII, meaning the person cited can pay the scheduled fee, request a hearing before the municipal judge, or forfeit a posted bond instead of a criminal appearance.