San Rafael, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to medians
- under 4 feet wide
- Linger threshold
- over 2 signal cycles/3 min
- Exceptions
- crossing, emergency, public works
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 1951 (2018)
- Enforcement
- via SRMC Chapter 5.12
Summary
San Rafael bars lingering or loitering on any street median narrower than four feet for more than a few minutes, citing pedestrian safety on medians not built for prolonged use.
(a)It is prohibited for any person to linger or loiter on any median less than four (4) feet in width located within any public roadway.(b)This prohibition is required to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and motorists, as small medians are not designed to accommodate prolonged pedestrian use. The only exceptions to this prohibition 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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5.38 of the San Rafael Municipal Code bars lingering or loitering on any street median narrower than four feet, reasoning that such small medians aren't designed for prolonged pedestrian use (Section 5.38.020). 'Linger' means remaining longer than two traffic-signal cycles, or three minutes where there's no signal; 'loiter' means standing there for any purpose besides safely crossing the street (Section 5.38.010). Exceptions cover crossing the roadway, emergencies, and public works. Violations are enforced under Chapter 5.12, Enforcement and Obedience to Traffic Regulations (Section 5.38.040).
Violations & Fines
Enforced under SRMC Chapter 5.12's general traffic-regulation enforcement provisions; Chapter 5.38 does not itself set a separate median-specific fine amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban standing on all medians in San Rafael?
Why did San Rafael adopt this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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