Lawrence, MA Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Crosswalk trigger distance
- 300 feet from pedestrian
- Crosswalk marking width
- 6 feet apart minimum (12-inch lines rural)
- Vehicle-regulation fine
- Up to $20.00 per offense
- Enforcement start date
- January 1, 1971
- Enforcing agency
- Lawrence Police Department officers
Summary
Lawrence requires pedestrians to use a marked crosswalk whenever one exists within 300 feet, or when an officer or traffic signal is directing crossings. Crossing outside that zone shifts the right-of-way duty onto the pedestrian and can draw a fine under the city's traffic code.
Pedestrians shall obey the direction of police officers directing traffic, and whenever there is an officer directing traffic, a traffic-control signal or a marked crosswalk within 300 feet of a pedestrian, no such pedestrian shall cross a way or roadway except within the limits of a marked crosswalk and as hereinafter provided in these regulations. For the purpose of these regulations, a marked crosswalk shall only be construed to be that area of a roadway reserved for pedestrian crossing located between two solid white reflectorized 12-inch pavement markings in rural areas or markings or lines being no less than six feet apart.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).
Full Breakdown
010 states that whenever a police officer is directing traffic, a traffic-control signal is present, or a marked crosswalk lies within 300 feet of a pedestrian, that pedestrian may not cross the way or roadway except within the marked crosswalk. A "marked crosswalk" is defined narrowly: the area between two solid white reflectorized 12-inch pavement markings in rural areas, or lines no less than six feet apart elsewhere. 040 layers on more detail for how any crossing must be made: pedestrians must use the right half of a crosswalk, may not suddenly leave a sidewalk or safety island into the path of a vehicle too close to yield, must stay off an adjacent roadway if a sidewalk is open for use, and if no sidewalk exists must walk facing traffic on the unpaved shoulder.
050 covers the flip side, at points other than a marked crosswalk a pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway, and where a pedestrian tunnel or overpass has been built, crossing must be made through it rather than at street level. 90 sections 14 and 14A on precautions for the safety of other travelers and protection of blind pedestrians, meaning drivers retain a due-care obligation even where a pedestrian is technically out of a crosswalk.
Violations & Fines
Section 10.16.100 sets the penalty: a pedestrian convicted of violating the chapter's rules on proper use of ways is punished as provided in M.G.L. c.90, section 18A, while violations of the vehicle-operation provisions of these regulations carry a fine of up to $20.00 per offense. Enforcement rests with city police officers under Section 10.16.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jaywalking illegal in Lawrence, MA?
What counts as a marked crosswalk under Lawrence's code?
What is the fine for violating Lawrence's pedestrian crossing rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
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