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 North Dakota, jaywalking is not specifically defined in state statutes, but it falls under pedestrian traffic regulations. Pedestrians are generally required to use marked crosswalks where available and obey traffic control signals. When crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an intersection with a working traffic signal, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway. Failure to comply with these rules can result in a citation and a fine. While the fines for jaywalking are typically less severe than for traffic violations, they are intended to reinforce the importance of pedestrian safety and adherence to traffic laws. It's important for pedestrians to understand that even at marked crosswalks, vigilance is necessary, as drivers may not always yield as required.