City of Montgomery Adopts New Public Safety Ordinance Regulating Dangerous Pedestrian Conduct

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The City of Montgomery has adopted a new ordinance designed to improve public safety by addressing dangerous pedestrian activity in public rights-of-way. The measure, Ordinance No. 49-2025, will go into effect later this week following publication.

The new law prohibits individuals from entering active roadways or standing on medians to interact with drivers for non-traffic purposes. It also bars pedestrians from impeding traffic or walking along roadways when sidewalks or shoulders are available. These measures are intended to protect pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists by reducing distractions and preventing accidents at busy intersections and roadways across Montgomery.

“This is about saving lives,” said Mayor Steven L. Reed. “Our top priority is the safety of every person who lives, works, or travels in Montgomery. This ordinance gives our officers another tool to prevent tragedies before they happen — not to punish, but to protect. We want our streets to be safe for everyone — drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.”

The ordinance allows police officers to give verbal warnings, issuing citations, and make arrests when necessary to prevent accidents or injuries.

“Our goal is voluntary compliance, education, and safety,” said Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys. “We’ve seen too many close calls involving people stepping into traffic or standing on medians. This ordinance allows us to address those hazards directly, while making sure our approach remains fair and focused on public safety.”

The Montgomery City Council passed the measure to address ongoing concerns about traffic safety and the growing number of incidents involving pedestrians in roadways. The ordinance was developed with input from law enforcement and city staff to ensure it is both effective and constitutionally sound.

The ordinance will take effect later this week. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with its provisions to help keep Montgomery’s streets safe and accessible for all.