Jaywalking refers to a pedestrian who enters a roadway (usually to cross to the other side) in a place where there is no marked crosswalk or unmarked (but legally recognized) crosswalk. Jaywalking can be dangerous because vehicles may not have an obligation to yield to pedestrians where there is no crosswalk.

White painted lines generally designate a marked crosswalk where drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians. Pedestrians may also have the right of way at stop sign intersections and alleyway entrances where a sidewalk is interrupted, for example—even if there are no painted lines or crosswalk markings.

Although jaywalking tickets or citations are usually not as significant as traffic violations, there may be a fine attached to a ticket or citation—especially if the pedestrian does not accept the police officer’s admonishment about the dangers of jaywalking.

In Alabama, jaywalking is addressed under state statutes that regulate pedestrian behavior on roadways. Alabama law requires pedestrians to obey traffic control devices and use crosswalks where available. Pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing outside of a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Marked crosswalks are typically designated by white painted lines, and at these locations, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians also have the right of way at stop signs, intersections, and when a sidewalk is interrupted by an alleyway entrance, even if there are no painted lines. While jaywalking may not carry penalties as severe as other traffic violations, fines can still be imposed for jaywalking offenses in Alabama. The exact fine and enforcement can vary by locality within the state, and pedestrians may receive a citation if they do not heed a police officer's warning about the dangers of jaywalking.