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 Michigan, jaywalking is not specifically defined under state law, but pedestrian traffic is regulated under Michigan Vehicle Code. Pedestrians are generally required to obey traffic control signals and use crosswalks where available. When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. However, pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. Outside of these crosswalks, pedestrians should yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway. Local ordinances may also have specific provisions regarding pedestrian crossings and jaywalking. Fines for pedestrian violations can be imposed, and while they may not be as severe as other traffic violations, they serve as a deterrent to unsafe crossing practices.