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 New Hampshire, jaywalking is not specifically defined by state statutes, but laws do regulate pedestrian behavior and traffic rules. Pedestrians are generally required to use marked crosswalks where available and must obey traffic control signals. Under RSA 265:35, if traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing within a 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. When crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway. Fines for pedestrian violations, including improper crossing, can be imposed, and the amount of the fine may vary depending on the specific circumstances and local ordinances.