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 South Dakota, jaywalking is not specifically defined in state statutes, but it falls under pedestrian control and right-of-way laws. Pedestrians are generally required to obey traffic control devices and use crosswalks where available. Under South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) 32-27-1, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway if they are crossing anywhere other than within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Marked crosswalks are typically designated by white painted lines, and drivers are required to yield to pedestrians within these crosswalks. Additionally, pedestrians have the right of way at intersections with stop signs or where sidewalks are interrupted, such as alleyway entrances, even if there are no explicit crosswalk markings. While jaywalking may not carry penalties as severe as other traffic violations, fines can still be imposed for violations of pedestrian traffic laws. The exact fine and enforcement can vary by local jurisdiction within the state.