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 Florida, jaywalking is addressed under state statutes that regulate pedestrian behavior on roadways. Florida Statute 316.130 outlines the obligations of pedestrians and drivers with respect to crosswalks and roadways. Pedestrians are required to use marked crosswalks where available and must obey traffic control signals. When crossing a road at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway. Conversely, at marked crosswalks or intersections with stop signs, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians. Penalties for jaywalking in Florida may include fines, and while they are typically less severe than those for traffic violations, they are intended to reinforce the importance of pedestrian safety and compliance with traffic laws.