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 Idaho, jaywalking is addressed under the state's pedestrian and traffic laws. Pedestrians are generally required to obey traffic control devices and use marked crosswalks when available. When crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with a working traffic signal, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway. This means that if a pedestrian crosses the road outside of these designated areas, they are jaywalking and may be subject to a citation. The fines for jaywalking can vary, but they are typically less severe than those for traffic violations. However, it's important to note that even in the absence of marked crosswalks, drivers are expected to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on the roadway, and in some cases, pedestrians may have the right of way at intersections with stop signs or where a sidewalk is interrupted. Nonetheless, pedestrians should always exercise caution and cross at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible to ensure their safety and comply with Idaho's traffic regulations.