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Stockton, CA Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
SMC § 10.04.540
Where it applies
Central Traffic District & business districts
Minimum block for mid-block crosswalk
600 feet
Enforcement
Infraction, up to $500 repeat fine
Exception
Pedestrian interval phasing intersections

Summary

In Stockton's Central Traffic District and any business district, pedestrians must cross the roadway at a marked crosswalk under SMC § 10.04.540; crossing mid-block outside those districts is not itself barred by this section. The City Traffic Engineer sets crosswalk spacing under §§ 10.04.510-10.04.530, generally requiring at least 600 feet between mid-block crossings.

§ 10.04.540. Crosswalks—Pedestrians must use. No pedestrian shall cross a roadway other than by a crosswalk in the Central Traffic District or in any business district.

Full Breakdown

540 states flatly that no pedestrian shall cross a roadway other than by a crosswalk in the Central Traffic District or in any business district. That geographic limit matters: the rule targets downtown Stockton and other business districts where crosswalk crossings keep pedestrians out of traffic lanes, rather than imposing a citywide jaywalking ban. 520). 530: none may be placed in a block shorter than 600 feet except by City Council resolution, and no more than one extra crosswalk is allowed per block, located as near the midpoint as practical. 560). 540 does not itself require pedestrians to use a crosswalk, though State Vehicle Code yielding rules still apply.

Violations & Fines

Crossing outside a crosswalk within the Central Traffic District or a business district violates SMC § 10.04.540 and is an infraction under the Title 10 default in § 1.08.010(D), punishable by a fine of up to $100 for a first offense, up to $200 for a second violation of the same section within a year, and up to $500 for each further violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jaywalking illegal everywhere in Stockton?
No, SMC § 10.04.540 only requires pedestrians to use a crosswalk within the Central Traffic District (downtown) or any other business district. Outside those areas, this particular section does not bar mid-block crossing, though drivers and pedestrians remain subject to California Vehicle Code right-of-way rules.
How far apart are mid-block crosswalks in Stockton?
Under SMC § 10.04.530, the City Traffic Engineer cannot place a mid-block crosswalk in any block shorter than 600 feet, except by City Council resolution, and no more than one extra crosswalk is allowed per block, positioned as near the midpoint as practical.
What's the fine for crossing outside a crosswalk downtown?
It's an infraction under SMC § 1.08.010(D): up to $100 for a first violation of § 10.04.540, up to $200 for a second violation of the same section within a year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within that year.

Sources & Official References

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