# Part 6 – Pedestrians

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 16-36 Pedestrian right-of-way.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-36 (2026)

(a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing or stopping if need be, in order to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing a roadway within a crosswalk when:

  (1) the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling; or

  (2) the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger from the vehicle.

(b) The driver of a vehicle making a right or left turn shall yield the right-of-way, slowing or stopping if need be, in order to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing a roadway within a crosswalk when:

  (1) the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which said turning vehicle is entering, or

  (2) the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the half of the roadway opposite to that upon which said turning vehicle is entering as to be in danger from the vehicle.

(c) A pedestrian shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield as otherwise required in this section.

*History: Ord. 68-187*

## § 16-37 Emergency vehicles right-of-way.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-37 (2026)

Pedestrians shall yield the right-of-way to authorized emergency vehicles provided that these vehicles are operating with siren and/or bell.

*History: Ord. 68-187*

## § 16-38 Crosswalks.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-38 (2026)

(a) If a vehicle is stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross a roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

(b) No person shall stop or park any vehicle in such manner as to obstruct a crosswalk.

*History: Ord. 68-187*

## § 16-39 “Walk/Don’t Walk” signals.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-39 (2026)

(a) While a “Walk” signal indication is displayed:

  (1) pedestrians may proceed across the roadway toward said indication within any marked or unmarked crosswalk; or

  (2) where an exclusive all-pedestrian interval is provided, pedestrians may proceed across the roadway in any direction within the intersection.

(b)

  (1) While a “Wait” or “Don’t Walk” signal indication, whether flashing or steady, controlling their direction of travel is displayed, pedestrians shall not enter the roadway.

  (2) In the case of an exclusive all-pedestrian interval, pedestrians shall not enter a roadway while any “Wait” or “Don’t Walk” signal indication, whether flashing or steady, is displayed.

  (3) This provision is to be effective between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. only.

(c) Any pedestrian who has entered an intersection on the “Walk” signal indication shall proceed without delay to a sidewalk or safety zone while the “Wait” or “Don’t Walk” signal indication is showing.

*History: Ord. 68-187*

## § 16-40 Controlled access highways.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-40 (2026)

(a) For the purpose of this section, “controlled access highway” shall mean every highway, street, or roadway in respect to which owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access to or from the same except at such points only and in such manner as may be determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over such highway, street, or roadway.

(b) No pedestrian shall be permitted to enter upon any controlled access highway nor any ramp or access road leading to or from any controlled access highway.

(c)

  (1) No pedestrian shall debark from any vehicle proceeding upon any controlled access highway nor any ramp or access road leading to or from any controlled access highway except under emergency circumstances which preclude the possibility that the vehicle in which he is riding proceed in a reasonable and proper manner.

  (2) In such case, said pedestrian may proceed only to the nearest emergency telephone.  He may not solicit a ride or assistance from any passing vehicle.

*History: Ord. 68-187*

## § 16-41 Solicitation on highways.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-41 (2026)

(a) No person shall stand within a highway for the purpose of soliciting a ride, employment, or business from the occupant of any vehicle or for the purpose of presenting a gift to or performing a service, whether gratuitous or for a fee, for the occupant of a vehicle.

(b) No parent or guardian shall knowingly permit any minor under the age of 18 years to violate the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.

(c) This section does not prohibit the solicitation by any person for lawful employment or business from the occupant of any vehicle which is properly and lawfully parked or properly and lawfully standing out of the free flow of traffic.

(d)

  (1) A police officer who finds any person 18 years of age or older violating provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall order the person to cease and desist.  Persons failing to comply with this order may be issued a citation containing their signed promise to pay the fine provided or to appear in court for trial.

  (2) The officer is not required to take the person into physical custody for the violation unless:

    (i) the person charged does not furnish satisfactory evidence of identity; or

    (ii) the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person charged will disregard a written promise to appear.

  (3) A person receiving a citation under this section shall pay the fine provided for in the citation to the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City, or stand trial for the violation.

(e)

  (1) A police officer who finds any person under 18 years of age violating provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall order the person to cease and desist.

  (2) Any person under 18 years of age who fails to comply with this order:

    (i) may be taken into custody; and

    (ii) subsequent to recording information necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, shall be promptly released to their parent or guardian.

  (3) The released person under 18 years of age shall be referred to the Baltimore City Police Department’s court sanctioned pre-intake adjustment program.

(f)

  (1) Any parent or guardian who shall violate subsection (b) of this section after having received written notice of their child or ward having committed a violation of subsection (a) occurring within the preceding 12 months, may receive a written citation and is subject to a fine of $50 for each offense.

  (2) Any person 18 years of age or older violating the provisions of subsection (a) of this section after being ordered to cease and desist is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined $50.

*History: Ord. 68-187*

*History: Ord. 85-449*

## § 16-42 Control of traffic by officers.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-42 (2026)

Nothing in this subtitle affects or limits the right of police officers or school crossing guards to control vehicular and pedestrian traffic in cases of emergency, special events, or other unusual traffic conditions.

*History: Ord. 68-187*

*History: Ord. 85-449*

## § 16-43 Exercise of due care.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-43 (2026)

In addition to the foregoing provisions of this subtitle, every driver of a vehicle shall:

(1) exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any highway; and

(2) exercise proper precautions upon observing any child or confused or incapacitated person upon a highway.

*History: Ord. 68-187*

*History: Ord. 85-449*

## § 16-44 Pedestrian traffic safety.

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-44 (2026)

The Director of Transportation shall:

(1) identify intersections commonly used by the elderly, the disabled, or other persons who may need extra time to cross an intersection;

(2) conduct studies of those intersections, using pedestrian accident statistics, direct observation, or other sources of information, to determine the need for extra time for pedestrian crossing and the length of time needed; and

(3) wherever feasible, reset the timing of traffic signals or make other adjustments to the intersection to accommodate the need for extra time for pedestrian crossing.

*History: Ord. 95-589*

*History: Ord. 15-435*

## § 16-45

Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 16-45 (2026)

Reserved