Murfreesboro, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No unauthorized sidewalk/street obstruction
- Test
- Interrupts free public use
- Solicitation
- Roadway solicitation also banned
- Enforcement
- General penalty, Code § 1-8
Summary
Murfreesboro bans obstructing any street, sidewalk, or public place in a way that interrupts free public use or blocks building access.
It shall be unlawful for anyone to obstruct in any way any street, public place or sidewalk except as authorized by law, and an obstruction within the meaning of this section shall be construed to mean to so occupy the sidewalk, street or public place that the free use and enjoyment thereof by the public is, in any way, interrupted or interfered with, or the free ingress or egress to or from any building fronting on any public thoroughfare is impaired.(B)Obstruction by pedestrians.(1)No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride.(2)No person shall stand on a highway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business, or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle.(3)No person shall stand on or in proximity to a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting the watching or guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street or highway. (Code 1949, Ch. 23 § 9; Ord. No. 16-O-58, § 2, 11-17-16)
Cross reference— Code § 21-8, obstruction of streets by reasons of persons standing, congregating on any street or sidewalk.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 28-9 makes it unlawful to obstruct any street, public place, or sidewalk except as authorized by law. An obstruction is defined broadly as occupying the sidewalk, street, or public place so that free use and enjoyment by the public is interrupted or interfered with, or that free ingress or egress to a building fronting a public thoroughfare is impaired. The same section separately bars standing in a roadway to solicit rides, employment, business, or contributions, or to solicit watching or guarding parked vehicles. A related cross-reference at Code § 21-8 also covers people congregating on streets or sidewalks.
Violations & Fines
Violations are punished under the chapter's general penalty at Code § 28-30, enforced per Code § 1-8; police may also act directly on street obstructions under Code § 28-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as obstructing a Murfreesboro sidewalk?
Is soliciting rides or donations from a roadway allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
Compare Murfreesboro to another location·View the Tennessee sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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