For those pedestrians walking around Auburn, we have compiled a list of state laws and local ordinances concerning this mode of transportation. Please take a moment to look these over and become better informed. Keep them in mind while walking, in order to stay safe and out of trouble.

The simplified versions will be posted first, followed by the complete text of the laws and ordinances.

State Laws:

• $112.00 Fine - When traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation the driver shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be a danger.
• $112.00 Fine - Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within the marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. Between adjacent intersection at which traffic-control signal are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
• $112.00 Fine - Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks.
• $112.00 Fine - Where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon the adjacent roadway. Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder, as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway.
• $325.00 Fine - A pedestrian who is under the influence of alcohol or any drug to a degree which renders himself a hazard shall not walk or be upon a highway.
• $112.00 Fine - No pedestrian shall pass through, around, over, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing or bridge while such gate or barrier is closed or being opened or closed.

City Ordinance:

• $25.00 Fine - All walkers or joggers running or walking during hours of darkness must wear reflective material between the waist and shoulders on their front and back that give an indication of the walker's or jogger's presence through reflected light from the head lamp beams of motor vehicles at a distance of a minimum of five hundred (500) feet. A citation for the first offence may be waived after the offender's purchase and installation (if appropriate) of reflectors or reflective clothing with proof of purchase presented to the citing officer.

Complete Text

State Laws:

• Minimum $112.00 Fine (Includes Court Costs) – Pedestrian obedience to traffic-control devices and traffic regulations. (a) A pedestrian shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device specifically applicable to him, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. (b) Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic and pedestrian control signals as provided in Sections 32-5A-32 and 32-5A-33. (c) At all other places, pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this chapter. Section 32-5A-210 (Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §5-101.)
• Minimum $112.00 Fine (Includes Court Costs) – Crossing at other than crosswalks. (a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within the marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. (b) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. (c) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. (d) No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic-control pertaining to such crossing movements. Section 32-5A-212 (Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §5-103.)
• Minimum $112.00 Fine (Includes Court Costs) – Pedestrians to use right half of crosswalks. Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks. Section 32-5A-214 (Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §5-105.)
• Minimum $112.00 Fine (Includes Court Costs) – Pedestrians on roadways. (a) Where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon the adjacent roadway. (b) Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder, as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway. (c) Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway, and if on a two-way roadway, shall walk only on the left side of the roadway. (d) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any pedestrian upon a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. Section 32-5A-215 (Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §5-106.)
• Minimum $325.00 Fine (Includes Court Costs) – Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A pedestrian who is under the influence of alcohol or any drug to a degree which renders himself a hazard shall not walk or be upon a highway. Section 32-5A-221 (Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §5-112.)
• Minimum $112.00 Fine (Includes Court Costs) – Bridge and railroad signals. (a) No pedestrian shall enter or remain upon any bridge or approach thereto beyond the bridge signal, gate or barrier after a bridge operation signal indication has been given. (b) No pedestrian shall pass through, around, over or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing or bridge while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed. Section 32-5A-222 (Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §5-113.)

City Ordinance:

• $25.00 Fine (First Offense) (Includes Court Costs) – All walkers or joggers running or walking during hours of darkness must wear reflective material between the waist and shoulders on their front and back that gives an indication of the walker’s or jogger’s presence through reflected light from the head lamp beams of motor vehicles at a distance of a minimum of five hundred (500) feet. A citation for the first offense may be waived pursuant to the offender's purchase and installation (if appropriate) of reflectors or reflective clothing within forty-eight (48) hours of the offense and proof of purchase (materials and receipt) is presented to the citing officer within forty-eight (48) hours. Ordinance #1272. March 15, 1988.