Southborough, MA Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)

Chapter 195 collects the Select Board's pedestrian regulations, adopted by the Board of Selectmen (now Select Board) on 3-12-1974. Section 195-1 provides that whenever there is an officer directing traffic, a traffic control signal or a marked crosswalk within 300 feet of a pedestrian, no such pedestrian shall cross a way or roadway except within the limits of a marked crosswalk. It defines a marked crosswalk as the area of a roadway reserved for pedestrian crossing between two solid white reflectorized twelve-inch pavement markings in rural areas, or markings not less than six inches wide in urban areas, with the lines no less than six feet apart.

Section 195-5 covers crossing where there is no signal: every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway, and where a pedestrian tunnel or overpass has been provided, pedestrians shall cross only by the proper use of it.

Section 195-2 requires a pedestrian to actuate the push button at a signal that shows pedestrian indications only on actuation, and to cross only on the proper indication. Where no pedestrian indication is provided, pedestrians cross only on the green. Section 195-4 adds that no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a sidewalk or safety island and walk or run into the path of a vehicle so close that the driver cannot yield, that pedestrians shall attempt to cross using the right half of crosswalks, and that it is unlawful to walk along a roadway when an adjacent sidewalk is open to pedestrian use. Without sidewalks, a pedestrian walks when practicable on the left side of the roadway, facing traffic.

Drivers keep their own duty: § 195-6 states that every operator of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon the roadway and give warning by sounding the horn when necessary. Section 195-9 exempts pedestrians working on a closed or under-construction roadway, public employees and officers on duty, and pedestrians acting in an emergency.