Pleasanton, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- PMC Ch. 11.58, added by Ord. 2180 (2018)
- Narrow median threshold
- Under six feet wide
- Linger time limit
- Two signal cycles or three minutes unsignaled
- Penalty
- $100-$500 infraction, misdemeanor after 3rd offense
- Enforcement condition
- Warning sign required at high-volume intersections
Summary
Pleasanton prohibits lingering or loitering on narrow medians and on medians or corner islands within intersections the city has designated high-volume, defined as remaining past two signal cycles or three minutes where there is no signal. Exceptions cover crossing the street, emergencies, and public works. Violations are infractions.
A. It is prohibited for any person to linger or loiter on any of the following: 1. Any narrow median. 2. Any median or corner island located in a high-volume intersection. B. The only exceptions to these prohibitions are for the following circumstances: (1) as may be necessary to cross a roadway; (2) as is necessary for emergencies; or (3) as is necessary for public works or maintenance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4955754; v17 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
020 as remaining on a median or corner island longer than two traffic signal cycles, or, where there is no signal, longer than three minutes, and defines "loiter" as standing or lingering there for any purpose other than safely and lawfully crossing the roadway. 030 makes it unlawful to linger or loiter on any "narrow median" (one under six feet wide) or on any median or corner island located in a high-volume intersection, with exceptions limited to crossing the roadway, emergencies, or public works and maintenance activity.
040 separately bars blocking traffic signs and signals located on a median or corner island for the same time thresholds. 050 says the high-volume-intersection prohibition "shall not be enforceable in an intersection unless the city traffic engineer has posted a sign in the intersection giving notice of the prohibition," so officers cannot cite someone at a location the city has not posted. 070 clarifies the chapter is nonexclusive and does not limit enforcement of any other applicable law. The ordinance addresses pedestrian and driver safety around people standing in roadway medians and corner islands rather than the content of any activity conducted there.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 11.58 is an infraction under Section 1.12.020: a fine 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 a third; a fourth violation of the same ordinance within 12 months becomes a misdemeanor. High-volume-intersection citations require the posted warning sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stand on a median in Pleasanton holding a sign?
What counts as 'loitering' under Pleasanton's median ordinance?
What is the penalty for violating Pleasanton's median loitering rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pleasanton
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Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle loitering rules.