Rochester, MN Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)

Section 9-1-8 protects traffic islands, medians and roadways as spaces held by the city "in trust for the public use," aimed at preventing hazards to pedestrians occupying them and to traffic. Subsection (b) states the operative rule: after a police officer or community service officer gives "due notice warning," a person may not persist in walking or standing on any traffic island or median, or on the roadway of a street or highway. Three exceptions are built in: crossing the roadway at an intersection or a designated crosswalk, entering or exiting a vehicle at the curb, and repairing, cleaning or maintaining the island or median itself.

An officer who sees a violation may request or order the person off the island, median or roadway, and may arrest the person if they refuse to comply. Subsection (c) defines "traffic island or median" as any area set aside within a roadway by markings or paint to separate or control traffic flow and not built or intended for vehicle or pedestrian use, unless marked as a crosswalk. Subsection (d) defines "roadway" as the portion of a street or highway between the established curblines, or the part improved for vehicular traffic. The section was added by Ord. No. 13.