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 Utah, jaywalking is addressed under the state's traffic laws, which dictate where and when pedestrians may legally cross the road. Utah Code Section 41-6a-1002 specifies that pedestrians must use marked crosswalks when they are available and must obey traffic control devices. When a pedestrian crosses a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, it is considered jaywalking. Vehicles have the right of way except in marked crosswalks or at intersections where traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation. Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections with stop signs or when a vehicle is entering or exiting an alleyway, building, private road, or driveway. Fines for jaywalking in Utah can be imposed, and while they may not be as severe as those for traffic violations, they serve as a deterrent and a reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety.