Kingsport, TN Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Crossing outside crosswalk
- Pedestrian must yield to all vehicles (Sec. 98-329(a))
- Between signalized intersections
- Cross only in a marked crosswalk (Sec. 98-329(c))
- Diagonal crossing
- Barred unless a traffic control device authorizes it
- General penalty
- Not less than $10.00 or more than $50.00 (Sec. 1-14)
- Sidewalk rule
- Unlawful to walk on the roadway where sidewalks exist
Summary
In the City of Kingsport, a pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk, or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles. Between adjacent intersections with operating traffic signals, crossing anywhere but a marked crosswalk is prohibited, and diagonal crossing at an intersection is barred unless a traffic control device authorizes it.
(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 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 vehicles 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.(e)Except where indicated by an official traffic control device, every pedestrian shall cross a roadway at right angles to the edge of the roadway or by the shortest route to the opposite edge of the roadway.
Full Breakdown
Section 98-329 of the Kingsport Code of Ordinances, in Chapter 98, Article V (Pedestrians), is the city's jaywalking rule. Subsection (a) does not ban crossing mid-block outright. It says 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 upon the roadway. Subsection (b) applies the same yield duty at a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing.
The stricter rule is subsection (c): between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. Subsection (d) bars crossing a roadway intersection diagonally unless official traffic control devices authorize it, and then only in accordance with those devices. Subsection (e) requires every pedestrian, except where an official traffic control device indicates otherwise, to cross at right angles to the edge of the roadway or by the shortest route to the opposite edge.
Several neighboring sections reach the same conduct. Section 98-327(a) requires a pedestrian to obey any official traffic control device specifically applicable to him unless a police officer directs otherwise. Section 98-328(b) prohibits suddenly leaving a curb or other place of safety and walking or running into the path of a vehicle so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. Section 98-332(a) makes it unlawful to walk along and upon a roadway where sidewalks are provided, and Sec. 98-337 keeps a pedestrian under the influence of alcohol or any drug to a degree that renders him a hazard off the highway except on a sidewalk.
The duty runs both ways. Section 98-336 requires every driver to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian and to sound the horn when necessary. The Kingsport Police Department enforces the traffic chapter.
Violations & Fines
Section 98-329 prints no penalty of its own. Sec. 1-14(a) of the Kingsport Code sets the general penalty where an act is declared unlawful and no specific penalty is provided at not less than $10.00 or more than $50.00, unless state law permits a greater amount. The Code also lists T.C.A. § 55-8-135 as the similar state provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jaywalking illegal in the City of Kingsport?
Can I cross a Kingsport intersection diagonally?
What is the fine for jaywalking in Kingsport?
Who has the right-of-way in a Kingsport crosswalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kingsport
Compare Kingsport to another location·View the Tennessee public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.