What Laws Cover Jaywalking?
States define jaywalking differently. Jaywalking laws, typically enacted as pedestrian regulations within a state’s traffic laws, cover a wide variety of behavior. Local jurisdictions often enact jaywalking laws which are more stringent than state laws. What Do Jaywalking Laws Prohibit? Jaywalking laws require that pedestrians obey traffic control signals unless otherwise instructed by law enforcement. For example, beginning to cross the street at an intersection with a “Don’t Walk” sign flashing would violate jaywalking laws. In addition to traffic signals, jaywalking laws dictate how pedestrians may legally cross the street when no signals are present. Many states require that pedestrians cross only at crosswalks, which can be designated by white lines, or can be unmarked. An unmarked crosswalk is simply an area around 10 to 15 feet wide between two adjacent street corners. Some state and local laws allow pedestrians to cross certain streets outside of a crosswalk, but require pedest
