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Jaywalking Laws in Indiana

How Indiana law treats jaywalking: what is illegal, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: Pedestrians must obey traffic-control devices that apply to them, must yield to all vehicles when crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, may cross only in a marked crosswalk between adjacent intersections with working signals, may not cross… IC 9-21-17-3, -5, -7, -9, -10, -24; IC 34-28-5-4(c)

JaywalkingPedestrians must obey traffic-control devices that apply to them, must yield to all vehicles when crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, may cross only in a marked crosswalk between adjacent intersections with working signals, may not cross intersections diagonally unless signals allow it, and may not suddenly step off a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. Violating the pedestrian chapter is a Class C infraction, with a judgment of up to $500 (not a crime).
Read in the 2026 Indiana Code on iga.in.gov (browser) on 2026-10-27. Infraction judgments: IC 34-28-5-4 (Class A up to $10,000; Class B up to $1,000; Class C up to $500).

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FAQ

Is jaywalking illegal in Indiana?
Pedestrians must obey traffic-control devices that apply to them, must yield to all vehicles when crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, may cross only in a marked crosswalk between adjacent intersections with working signals, may not cross intersections diagonally unless signals allow it, and may not suddenly step off a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. Violating the pedestrian chapter is a Class C infraction, with a judgment of up to $500 (not a crime).
Can I get a court-appointed lawyer for jaywalking in Indiana?
Indiana's rule on court-appointed lawyers: Before public defense counsel is assigned, the court must find the defendant indigent; the judicial officer then assigns counsel. If the court finds the person is able to pay part of the cost of representation, it shall order a fee of $200 for a felony action or $100 for a misdemeanor action; other statutes allow courts to order reimbursement of reasonable attorney's fees and costs at any stage after determining ability to pay. Costs must be reasonable and not more than the cost of representation, and a court may not order an indigent defendant to pay based on possible future earnings. Ind. Code §§ 35-33-7-6(c), 33-40-3-6, 33-37-2-3; Davis v. State, 843 N.E.2d 65 (Ind. Ct. App. 2006)
How much does a lawyer for jaywalking cost in Indiana?
Lawyers set their own fees, and Indiana has rules on how they may charge. See hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Indiana for fee rules, how to check a lawyer's license and free help.
What happens after an arrest for jaywalking in Indiana?
How release before trial works in Indiana: Under Indiana Criminal Rule 2.6 (effective January 1, 2024), a court should release an arrestee who does not present a substantial risk of flight or danger to self or others without money bail or surety, subject to conditions the court sets. This does not apply to arrestees charged with murder or treason, on pretrial release for an unrelated incident, or on probation, parole or other community supervision. In assessing risk, the court should use the results of an evidence-based risk assessment approved by the Office of Judicial Administration plus other relevant information, but need not run an assessment first if that would delay release. If money bail is required, the court sets the amount and decides whether a surety bond and/or cash deposit may satisfy it, and may accept a partial cash deposit. Cash bail deposits may be retained to pay fines, costs, fees, restitution and publicly paid costs of representation. Ind. Crim. Rule 2.6(A)-(C); Ind. Code § 35-33-8-3.2(a) What happens after an arrest.
Can a conviction for jaywalking be removed from my record in Indiana?
Each state sets its own rules for sealing or expunging records. See Indiana expungement and record sealing rules.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.