Mobile, AL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max fine
- $500
- Max jail term
- 6 months
- Exemption
- City-authorized objects only
- Alt. penalty
- Court-ordered community service
Summary
Mobile bars anyone from blocking a public sidewalk by standing, sitting, lying, or placing objects so pedestrians must take evasive action to get by.
(a)No person who walks, stands, sits, lies, or places an object in such a manner as to intentionally block passage by another person or require another person to take evasive action to avoid physical contact, or who, after being ordered to move by law enforcement officers, remains in or on any public sidewalk in such a manner as to block or impair the movement of pedestrians...(c)Penalties.(1)A violation of this article may be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed six (6) months.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67).
Full Breakdown
Section 57-73 of the Mobile, Alabama (Mobile County) code targets any person who walks, stands, sits, lies, or places an object so as to intentionally block another person's passage or force them to take evasive action to avoid contact, or who stays put on a public sidewalk blocking pedestrian movement after police order them to move. The section exempts objects the city has authorized. Violators face municipal court fines up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both, and the court can order community service instead of or alongside a fine.
Violations & Fines
Blocking sidewalk passage or refusing a police order to clear it violates § 57-73, punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to six months imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to sit on a sidewalk in Mobile?
What's the penalty for blocking a Mobile sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mobile
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