Fontana, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Sec. 25-1 is narrow by design: it doesn't prohibit standing, sitting or gathering on a Fontana sidewalk on its own. The violation only arises when a person 'remains upon any sidewalk or other public thoroughfare so as to obstruct free pedestrian or vehicular traffic thereon' after a peace officer has already asked them to move along. Refusing that request is what triggers enforcement. The section traces to Code 1968 Sec. 18-27 and sits in Chapter 25, which the code notes derives the city's authority over streets and sidewalks from Government Code Sec.

40401. Because Sec. 25-1 doesn't carry its own penalty clause, a violation falls under the citywide general penalty in Sec. 00, at the discretion of the city attorney or district attorney, and each day an obstruction continues is treated as a separate offense. Sec. 1-8 sets the standard process for that kind of citation: if an officer doesn't take the person directly before a magistrate, the officer prepares a written notice to appear listing the person's name and address, the offense charged, and the court date, in lieu of an on-the-spot arrest.