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 Delaware, jaywalking is addressed under state traffic laws that regulate pedestrian behavior on roadways. Pedestrians are generally required to obey traffic control devices and use marked crosswalks when available. At intersections with traffic control signals or in marked crosswalks, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians. However, if pedestrians cross a road at any point that is not a marked or unmarked crosswalk, they are jaywalking and may be subject to fines. Delaware law also gives pedestrians the right of way at stop signs and where sidewalks are interrupted by alleyways, even if there are no marked crosswalks. The fines for jaywalking in Delaware are typically less severe than for traffic violations, but a citation can still be issued, which may carry a monetary penalty. Pedestrians are expected to heed warnings from law enforcement about the dangers of jaywalking, and failure to comply may result in a fine.