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Lafayette Parish, LA Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 86-67, Crossing at right angles
Territorial reach
City of Lafayette and unincorporated parish
Max penalty
$500 fine and/or 6 months jail
Not covered
Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville, Milton

Summary

Lafayette City-Parish law requires pedestrians to cross a roadway at right angles or by the shortest route to the opposite curb wherever no crosswalk or traffic-control device directs otherwise, applying citywide and in the unincorporated parish.

City-specific rules exist: Lafayette has its own jaywalking rules that differ from Lafayette Parish's county-level regulations. If you live in Lafayette, check the city-specific page instead.

Except where otherwise indicated by a crosswalk or other official traffic-control device, a pedestrian shall cross a roadway at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).

Full Breakdown

Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government's traffic code requires pedestrians to cross streets at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb whenever a marked crosswalk or traffic-control device isn't controlling the crossing point -- the local version of a jaywalking ban. Diagonal or angled mid-block crossings violate the section. Because the Code applies 'in both the city and the unincorporated areas of the parish' under Sec. 1-3, the rule covers Lafayette city streets and unincorporated parish roads alike. It does not reach Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville or Milton, which enforce their own codes.

Violations & Fines

Violating Sec. 86-67 is a Code violation punishable under the general penalty clause: a fine up to $500, up to six months imprisonment, or both, per Sec. 1-9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jaywalking illegal in Lafayette Parish?
Yes. Sec. 86-67 requires pedestrians to cross at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb unless a crosswalk or traffic signal says otherwise; diagonal or mid-block angled crossing violates the section.
Does this rule apply outside Lafayette city limits?
Yes. Under Sec. 1-3 the Code applies in both the City of Lafayette and the unincorporated parish, so the crossing rule covers both areas -- but not Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville or Milton.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lafayette Parish

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSome RestrictionsLoitering RulesSome RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsPublic UrinationHeavy RestrictionsLoud Party OrdinanceSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew RestrictionsTrash & Recycling: Yard Waste CollectionSome Restrictions

All Lafayette Parish rules

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Jaywalking in Cities Across Lafayette Parish

Lafayette, LA