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 Illinois, jaywalking is addressed under state statutes that regulate pedestrian behavior and traffic laws. Illinois law requires pedestrians to use marked crosswalks where available and obey traffic control devices. Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and at intersections with stop signs or signals, even if no crosswalk is painted on the roadway. However, when crossing a roadway 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. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in a citation and a fine. The fines for jaywalking are typically less severe than those for traffic violations, but they are intended to discourage unsafe crossing practices and promote pedestrian safety. It's important for pedestrians to understand that even in areas where they have the right of way, they should remain vigilant for their safety, as drivers may not always yield as required.