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San Antonio, TX Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State law
TX Penal Code Section 42.01
Base fine
Up to $500 Class C
Covers
Streets, sidewalks, parks, River Walk
Indecent exposure upgrade
Section 21.08 Class B
Restroom defense
Use of facility is exempt

Summary

San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 and Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct) prohibit urinating or defecating in any public place. The act is a Class C misdemeanor, and aggravated cases near minors can support enhanced charges or sex-offender screening.

Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (10) exposes his anus or genitals in a public place and is reckless about whether another may be present who will be offended or alarmed by his act; or (11) for a lewd or unlawful purpose: (A) enters on the property of another and looks into a dwelling on the property through any window or other opening in the dwelling ...

Source: TX Penal Code 42.01 + SAMC Ch. 21View official code

Full Breakdown

Texas Penal Code Section 42.01(a)(8) makes it disorderly conduct to expose oneself in a public place in a manner reckless about offense. SAMC Chapter 21 supplements the state statute by treating public urination as a public-nuisance violation enforceable by SAPD and Metro Health. Public places include sidewalks, alleys, parking lots, parks, the River Walk, and any private property visible from a public way. Restroom use is exempt. Citations are typically Class C infractions, but officers may charge indecent exposure under Penal Code Section 21.08 when the conduct is reckless about a minor seeing it. Downtown SA outreach and Haven for Hope diverts first-time offenders toward sanitation and shelter services. Repeat or aggravated cases trigger Bexar County municipal-court warrants.

Violations & Fines

Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500 plus court costs. Reckless exposure near minors can be charged as indecent exposure under Penal Code Section 21.08, a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days jail and $2,000 fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it count if I am behind a dumpster in San Antonio?
Yes if the location is open to public view, including private property visible from a public way. Only enclosed restrooms or fully screened private space avoid violation under Penal Code Section 42.01.
Will a San Antonio citation appear on my background check?
A Class C disorderly conduct ticket generally does not appear after deferred disposition. An indecent-exposure filing under Section 21.08 will appear, and conviction can require sex-offender registration in aggravated cases.

Sources & Official References

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