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 Missouri, jaywalking is not specifically defined in state statutes, but it falls under the broader category of pedestrian violations. Missouri law requires pedestrians to obey traffic control devices and use crosswalks where available (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 300.375). Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing outside of a marked crosswalk or an intersection. However, at intersections with operational traffic control signals, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians within any marked crosswalk or at an intersection with a stop sign or flashing red signal (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 300.375). If a pedestrian is cited for jaywalking or a related offense, they may be subject to a fine. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the local jurisdiction within Missouri. It's important for pedestrians to understand and adhere to these rules to ensure their safety and avoid potential fines.