Dallas Public Conduct: Public Urination Rules (2026)

Dallas City Code Section 31-21 makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in or upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, or other public place, or in any place open to public view. Texas Penal Code Section 42.01(a)(2) reinforces this by classifying public urination as disorderly conduct when it occurs in a place where another person may be offended. Both are Class C misdemeanors prosecuted in Dallas Municipal Court. Unlike indecent exposure under Penal Code 21.08, public urination alone does not require sexual intent and does not trigger sex-offender registration. Enforcement spikes around Deep Ellum, Lower Greenville, and Uptown nightlife districts. Bar owners face nuisance complaints when patrons habitually urinate outside their establishments.