San Jose, CA Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SJMC § 11.64.030
- Where it applies
- Central business district & other business districts
- Exception
- Police officer direction or Scramble signal
- Related rule
- § 11.64.050 diagonal-crossing rule elsewhere
Summary
San Jose bans crossing outside a crosswalk in the central business district and other business districts, unless a police officer directs otherwise or a Scramble signal is in effect.
Unless otherwise directed by a police officer, no pedestrian shall cross a roadway other than by a crosswalk in the central business district or in any business district, except at intersections where the pedestrian phased traffic signal system of crossing (Scramble) is in effect and designated by official signals.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
San Jose Municipal Code § 11.64.030 bars pedestrians from crossing a roadway anywhere but a crosswalk within the central business district or any other business district. The mandate lifts only if a police officer directs pedestrians otherwise, or at intersections running the pedestrian-phased 'Scramble' signal, where crossing follows the signal's design instead of a marked crosswalk. Outside business districts, § 11.64.050 imposes a separate rule: cross at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb, unless using a crosswalk. Both are enforced by the police department as municipal code infractions.
Violations & Fines
Crossing outside a marked crosswalk in San Jose's central business district or another business district is a citable municipal code infraction enforced by police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jaywalking illegal everywhere in San Jose?
What is San Jose's 'Scramble' exception?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Jaywalking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle jaywalking.