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 Minnesota, jaywalking is not specifically defined under state statutes, but relevant laws pertain to pedestrian crossing and right-of-way. According to Minnesota Statutes, pedestrians must use marked crosswalks where they are provided and obey pedestrian control signals. When crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway. However, at intersections where traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within any marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. Pedestrians are also prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb or other place of safety and walking or running into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. While jaywalking may not be heavily enforced, pedestrians can receive a citation and a fine for crossing illegally, which serves as a deterrent and a reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety.