Los Angeles County, CA Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Unincorporated LA County only
- Trigger
- Posted 'no pedestrian crossing' signs
- Penalty class
- Misdemeanor, county general penalty
- Max fine
- $1,000 and/or 6 months jail
Summary
In unincorporated LA County, the traffic commissioner can post signs banning pedestrian crossing at hazardous mid-block or intersection locations, and crossing there is prohibited.
The commissioner may place signs where it has been determined that conditions of vehicular and pedestrian or bicycle traffic are such that a traffic hazard would exist if pedestrians or bicyclists were permitted to cross the roadway at these locations directing that pedestrians and bicyclists shall not cross at a location so indicated.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 15.52.030 lets the county's traffic commissioner post signs at spots where mixed vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle traffic creates a hazard, directing that pedestrians and bicyclists not cross the roadway there. Once signs go up, crossing at that location violates the code. This applies only in the unincorporated area of the county, not inside the City of Los Angeles or the county's 87 incorporated cities, each of which sets its own crosswalk and jaywalking rules. Absent a posted sign, general California Vehicle Code crosswalk rules (e.g., Veh. Code §§ 21954-21955) still govern pedestrian crossing statewide.
Violations & Fines
Crossing where posted no-crossing signs are in place is a misdemeanor under County Code § 1.24.020, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in County Jail; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
Is jaywalking banned everywhere in unincorporated LA County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.