San Diego, CA Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Cal. Veh. Code § 21955
- Applies
- Between signal-controlled intersections only
- Stops allowed
- Only with immediate collision danger
- Local ordinance
- None: state law governs
Summary
San Diego has no jaywalking ordinance of its own: pedestrians are bound by California Vehicle Code § 21955, which bars crossing mid-block between signal-controlled intersections, though officers can't stop you without a real collision risk.
(a) Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk. (b) A peace officer...shall not stop a pedestrian for a violation of subdivision (a) unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision with a moving vehicle or other device moving exclusively by human power. This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.
Full Breakdown
California Vehicle Code § 21955 requires pedestrians to use a crosswalk when crossing between two intersections that both have traffic signals or a police officer directing traffic: stepping into the roadway anywhere else along that stretch is barred. San Diego enforces this state rule rather than a local jaywalking ordinance. Under the 2023 Freedom to Walk Act amendment, SDPD officers cannot stop or cite a pedestrian for this violation unless a reasonably careful person would see an immediate danger of a collision with a moving vehicle or human-powered device. Pedestrians still owe a duty of due care for their own safety.
Violations & Fines
Crossing outside a marked crosswalk between two signal-controlled intersections when a real collision danger exists; SDPD cannot stop you for this absent that danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Diego have its own jaywalking law?
Can SDPD stop me for jaywalking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Jaywalking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle jaywalking.