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 Washington State, jaywalking is addressed under RCW 46.61.240, which states that pedestrians must use marked crosswalks when they are available. 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. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians within marked crosswalks, at stop signs, and at alleyway entrances where sidewalks are interrupted. However, outside of these areas, vehicles are not obligated to yield to pedestrians. Penalties for jaywalking in Washington can include fines, which vary by jurisdiction. While the fines for jaywalking may not be as severe as those for traffic violations, they are intended to discourage unsafe pedestrian behavior and promote traffic safety.