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 Mississippi, jaywalking is not specifically defined under state law, but municipalities within the state may have ordinances that address pedestrian crossing rules. Generally, pedestrians are expected to use marked crosswalks where available, and drivers are required to yield to pedestrians within these crosswalks. At intersections with stop signs or where sidewalks are interrupted, pedestrians typically have the right of way even if there are no marked crosswalks. However, pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. If a pedestrian crosses a road at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an intersection, they must yield the right of way to all vehicles. Fines for pedestrian violations, such as jaywalking, can be imposed, and the amount of the fine may vary by locality. It's important for pedestrians to adhere to local traffic laws and for drivers to be vigilant for pedestrians at all times to ensure safety.