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New Haven, CT Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 29-9, Pedestrians crossing streets
Where you must cross
Intersections or marked, posted crosswalks
Diagonal crossing
Barred even on a walk signal
Penalty
Set by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-314

Summary

New Haven requires pedestrians to cross only at intersections or marked, posted crosswalks between them, and bars crossing on a "don't walk" signal unless a police officer directs otherwise, under Sec. 29-9 of the traffic code.

Pedestrians shall only cross a street or highway at an intersection or at such other places between intersections as have been established as crosswalks and are so marked and posted.(c)Any pedestrian violating any provision of this section, or who shall wilfully fail to obey the signal or any police officer, shall be subject to the penalties as provided by section 14-314 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, Revision of 1958. (Traffic Reg. of 7-7-52, § 9)

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 31 | Zoning: Supplement 32).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 29-9 of the New Haven traffic code sets the city's crossing rule: at signalized intersections, pedestrians can't cross while the "don't walk" signal shows unless a police officer directs otherwise, and even when the "walk" signal is lit they must use the marked or unmarked crosswalk rather than cutting diagonally across the intersection. Away from signals, pedestrians may cross only at an intersection or another spot that has been established, marked, and posted as a crosswalk. A pedestrian who defies the signal or an officer faces the penalty set by section 14-314 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Violations & Fines

Crossing outside a marked or posted crosswalk, cutting diagonally across an intersection, or crossing against a "don't walk" signal violates Sec. 29-9 and draws the penalty set by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-314.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jaywalking illegal in New Haven?
Yes. Sec. 29-9 requires pedestrians to cross only at intersections or posted crosswalks and bars crossing against a "don't walk" signal; violators face the penalty set by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-314.
Can I cross diagonally at an intersection?
No -- Sec. 29-9(a) says that even when the "walk" signal is on, pedestrians must use the marked or unmarked crosswalks and may not cross between diagonal corners.

Sources & Official References

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