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 Indiana, jaywalking is addressed under state statutes that regulate pedestrian behavior and traffic control. Indiana Code specifies that pedestrians must obey traffic control signals and signs at intersections and use crosswalks where available. Pedestrians are prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb or other place of safety and walking or running into the path of a vehicle that is so close it is impossible for the driver to yield (IC 9-21-17-10). While marked crosswalks are clearly designated by white painted lines and require drivers to yield to pedestrians, unmarked crosswalks at intersections also legally exist, and drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians there as well. At intersections with stop signs or where a sidewalk is interrupted by an alleyway, pedestrians generally have the right of way even without marked crosswalks. However, pedestrians should not cross between adjacent intersections with traffic control signals outside of marked crosswalks (IC 9-21-17-5). If a pedestrian is found jaywalking, they may receive a warning or a citation with an attached fine, depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the enforcing officer. The intent of these regulations is to ensure pedestrian safety and to minimize disruptions to traffic flow.