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 York, jaywalking is addressed under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). According to VTL Section 1152, pedestrians must use marked crosswalks when they are available. When crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles. Failure to comply with these rules can result in a citation for jaywalking. The fines for jaywalking in New York can vary by jurisdiction but are generally not as severe as those for traffic violations. However, repeated offenses or jaywalking that leads to an accident can result in higher penalties. It's important for pedestrians to understand that even at marked crosswalks, they should not suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impractical for the driver to yield.