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 New Jersey, jaywalking is addressed under pedestrian traffic laws. The state statutes require pedestrians to obey traffic control signals and use crosswalks where available (N.J.S.A. 39:4-32, 39:4-33). Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection (N.J.S.A. 39:4-34). However, even at marked crosswalks, pedestrians have certain responsibilities, such as not suddenly leaving a curb and walking or running into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield (N.J.S.A. 39:4-36). Penalties for jaywalking in New Jersey may include fines, and local municipalities may have additional ordinances that further regulate pedestrian behavior. It's important for pedestrians to understand and adhere to these laws to ensure their safety and avoid citations.