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 Nevada, jaywalking is defined as a pedestrian crossing a roadway outside of a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Nevada law requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or at intersections where the pedestrian has the right of way, even if no painted lines are present. However, pedestrians are expected to yield to vehicles when crossing outside of these designated areas. Jaywalking is considered an infraction and can result in a citation and a fine. The exact amount of the fine for jaywalking can vary by jurisdiction within the state. It's important for pedestrians to understand that while they have the right of way in marked or legally recognized unmarked crosswalks, they are also responsible for not suddenly leaving a curb or other place of safety and walking or running into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield (NRS 484B.287). The goal of these regulations is to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers by clearly defining right-of-way and encouraging safe crossing practices.