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 Rhode Island, jaywalking is addressed under state traffic laws that regulate pedestrian behavior on roadways. Pedestrians are generally required to obey traffic control devices and use marked crosswalks where available. When crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with a traffic control device, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles. Failure to comply with these rules can result in a citation and a fine. While the fines for jaywalking may not be as substantial as those for more serious traffic violations, they serve as a deterrent and a reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety. Rhode Island law also requires drivers to yield to pedestrians within marked crosswalks and at intersections with stop signs or when a sidewalk is interrupted, even if there are no painted lines. However, pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.