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

17 (Prohibiting Loitering, Obstructing Sidewalks, Highways) adopted by Ordinance 96-06, makes it unlawful for any person to willfully stand, sit or position their body in or upon a public highway, alley, walkway, sidewalk or crosswalk so as to hinder, delay or obstruct the free passage of people or vehicles trying to pass along it. The prohibition applies on public rights-of-way generally, not just downtown, and does not require any prior warning before a citation issues. 1 lists five exceptions that override the ban: conduct protected by federal or state civil rights law against discrimination; conduct otherwise addressed by Penal Code Section 365, which covers duties of innkeepers and common carriers; peaceful, lawful labor picketing; any other constitutionally protected exercise of free speech; and a person on another's property under a reasonable claim of legal right.

030 sets the penalty: a violation is a misdemeanor, though the Court, the District Attorney or the Town Attorney may reduce the charge to an infraction punishable under Government Code Section 25132 if circumstances warrant. 040 preserves the rest of the chapter if any single provision is struck down.