{"id":355916,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/jaywalking.html"},"modified":"2023-10-24T09:55:04","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T14:55:04","slug":"jaywalking","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/jaywalking.html","title":{"rendered":"Jaywalking"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Jaywalking<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Some rules of the road<\/a> apply not to motorists but to pedestrians. "Jaywalking" refers to violating pedestrian traffic laws, most often by crossing a street illegally. While jaywalking is a low-level offense, it can draw fines<\/a> in most jurisdictions.<\/p>\r\n

State Laws and Jaywalking<\/h2>\r\n

States define jaywalking differently. Jaywalking laws, typically enacted as pedestrian regulations within a state’s traffic laws<\/a>, cover various behaviors.<\/p>\r\n

Some states have decriminalized jaywalking. Virginia<\/a> was the first to do this in 2020, followed by Nevada<\/a> in 2021 and California<\/a> in 2023.<\/p>\r\n

California’s Freedom to Walk Act<\/a> prevents law enforcement from issuing jaywalking tickets unless the behavior is likely to cause an accident or cause harm to the pedestrian or motorist. This new law aims to reduce over-policing in minority communities without comprehensive street infrastructure and traffic control devices.<\/p>\r\n

Local jurisdictions may enact jaywalking laws that are different from state laws. Some cities may put in place less strict practices. Examples include New York City<\/a> and Minneapolis<\/a>. Both cities have enacted initiatives that reduce jaywalking enforcement and instead prioritize pedestrian safety<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

To understand the specific jaywalking regulations in your area, check your local traffic laws<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

What Do Jaywalking Laws Prohibit?<\/h2>\r\n

Jaywalking laws require that pedestrians<\/a> obey traffic control signals unless otherwise instructed by law enforcement. For example, crossing an intersection with a Do Not Walk signal flashing would violate jaywalking laws. This is true even if you do not see any oncoming traffic at the cross streets where you are waiting.<\/p>\r\n

Jaywalking laws also dictate how pedestrians may legally cross the street when no signals are present.<\/p>\r\n

Many states require that pedestrians cross only at crosswalks<\/a>. This includes marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks. White lines usually designate marked crosswalks. An unmarked crosswalk is 10 to 15 feet wide between two adjacent intersections. Pedestrians often have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections.<\/p>\r\n

Other jaywalking behaviors include:<\/p>\r\n