Knoxville, TN Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 17-474
- Mid-block rule
- Must yield to traffic
- Signalized blocks
- Crosswalk-only, no exceptions
- Max penalty
- $50 fine + $500 costs
- Enforced by
- Knoxville Police Department
Summary
Knoxville pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing outside a marked crosswalk, and between signalized intersections must use a marked crosswalk: violators face Knoxville's general penalty, up to a $50 fine plus costs.
(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. (Code 1962, § 26-1102)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, T.C.A. § 55-8-135.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Knoxville City Code § 17-474 requires pedestrians crossing a roadway anywhere other than a marked or intersection crosswalk to yield the right-of-way to all vehicles. Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic signals, pedestrians may not cross except within a marked crosswalk, mid-block crossing there is prohibited outright. Diagonal crossing is also barred unless a traffic control device authorizes it. Knoxville Police Department enforces the chapter; because § 17-474 sets no separate fine, violations fall under the Code's general penalty in § 1-9, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $50 fine, up to $500 in administrative costs, and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Violations & Fines
Cited by Knoxville Police under the Code's general penalty (§ 1-9): up to a $50 fine, up to $500 in administrative costs, and/or up to 30 days in jail per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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