Jaywalking Laws by State (2026)
How each state handles jaywalking and the penalties, from each state's code.
| State | Jaywalking |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Pedestrians must obey traffic-control devices and pedestrian signals. A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between two adjacent intersections that both have working traffic signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk; diagonal crossing of an intersection is not allowed unless signs permit it; and no one may suddenly step off the curb into the path of a close vehicle. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where there is no working signal. Violations are misdemeanors under the rules of the road: up to a $100 fine or 10 days in jail for a first offense, rising for repeat offenses within a year. No statewide decriminalization was found. Ala. Code 1975 §§ 32-5A-210, 32-5A-211, 32-5A-212, 32-5A-8 |
| Alaska | Under Alaska's traffic regulations, a pedestrian crossing a roadway anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent signalized intersections in a business or residence district, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and they may not cross diagonally unless a traffic-control device allows it. Pedestrians must obey traffic and pedestrian signals and may not step off a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop, while drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where no signals are operating. Violating a traffic regulation adopted under Title 28 is an infraction with a fine of up to $300, unless another law says otherwise; an infraction is not a crime and cannot lead to jail. 13 AAC 02.150, 02.155, 02.160; AS 28.90.010(c), (d) |
| Arizona | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles, even where a tunnel or overhead crossing exists. Between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk where signals are not operating, and pedestrians may not suddenly step off a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. These traffic-rule violations are civil traffic violations, not crimes, with a civil penalty of up to $250 plus state surcharges. A.R.S. §§ 28-792, 28-793, 28-121(B), 28-1598 |
| Arkansas | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles, including where a tunnel or overhead crossing is provided, and between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals may cross only in a marked crosswalk. Pedestrians should use the right half of crosswalks, and drivers must still use due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, especially children. A moving traffic violation not listed with its own class is a 'violation' (non-criminal), punishable by a fine of up to $100. Ark. Code §§ 27-51-1203, 27-51-1204, 27-50-301, 5-4-201 |
| California | Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a close vehicle or needlessly delay traffic in a crosswalk. A pedestrian outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles so near as to be an immediate hazard, and between adjacent intersections controlled by signals or police, pedestrians may cross only in a crosswalk. Since January 1, 2023 (the 'Freedom to Walk' changes), a peace officer may not stop a pedestrian for these crossing violations unless a reasonably careful person would realize there was an immediate danger of a collision. Pedestrian violations of the Vehicle Code are infractions with a fine of up to $50. Cal. Veh. Code 21950, 21954, 21955, 40000.1, 42001(b) |
| Colorado | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk; and diagonal crossing of an intersection is not allowed unless signals or signs permit it. This is a class B traffic infraction — a civil matter, with no license points — and the statutory penalty is $15 plus a $6 surcharge. Pedestrians must obey 'Walk/Don't Walk' signals and may not suddenly step into the path of a close vehicle (class A traffic infraction, $15 to $30), and drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks without working signals. C.R.S. §§ 42-4-802, 42-4-803, 42-4-1701(3)(a)(I), (3)(c), (4)(a)(I)(I) |
| Connecticut | Pedestrians must obey Walk/Don't Walk signals, may not cross against a red or stop signal at signal-controlled intersections, and may not cross outside a crosswalk there. Elsewhere, a pedestrian crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield to vehicles, may not cross an intersection diagonally unless a signal or officer allows it, and may not cross between adjacent signal-controlled intersections except in a marked crosswalk; walking in the road where a usable sidewalk exists or darting into traffic is also prohibited. Violations of these pedestrian rules are infractions (a ticket, not a crime). Drivers must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and can be fined up to $750 for violating the crosswalk law. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-300, 14-300b, 14-300c |
| Delaware | Pedestrians must obey traffic-control devices and pedestrian signals. A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles, must use a tunnel or overhead crossing where one is provided, may cross between adjacent signal-controlled intersections only in a marked crosswalk, and may cross an intersection diagonally only where authorized; no one may suddenly step into the path of a close vehicle. Where a usable sidewalk exists, pedestrians may not walk in the roadway; violating the walking-on-the-road rule carries a $10 to $28.75 fine for a first offense and $25 to $50 for later offenses. These pedestrian offenses are not entered on the person's driving record. 21 Del. C. §§ 4140, 4141, 4142, 4143, 4146 |
| District of Columbia | Pedestrian rules are set by D.C. traffic regulations. Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic signals or police, pedestrians may cross only in a crosswalk; anyone crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles and cross at a right angle or by the shortest route. Violations are civil infractions with fines: $20 for walking against a Don't Walk signal, crossing against a red light, crossing between signal-controlled intersections, or crossing diagonally; $10 for crossing where prohibited, crossing at other than a right angle, or walking in the roadway where a sidewalk is provided; and $100 for suddenly walking into the path of a vehicle and colliding with it or failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. 18 DCMR §§ 2304, 2603 |
| Florida | A pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and outside a crosswalk they must cross at right angles or by the shortest route. Pedestrians may not walk in the roadway where sidewalks are provided. These are noncriminal pedestrian infractions with a $15 fine plus $4 in court costs (other local costs may be added). Fla. Stat. §§ 316.130, 318.18(1)(a), (12)(a) |
| Georgia | A pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent signal-controlled intersections, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and they may not cross an intersection diagonally unless traffic-control devices allow it. The pedestrian section states no penalty of its own; violations of Georgia's rules of the road are misdemeanors unless the chapter provides otherwise. O.C.G.A. §§ 40-6-92, 40-6-1(a) |
| Hawaii | A pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and they may not cross an intersection diagonally unless traffic-control devices allow it. A violation is fined $100. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291C-73 |
| Idaho | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and may not cross an intersection diagonally unless signs or signals allow it. Pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop, and drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where there is no working signal. Violations of these pedestrian rules (Title 49, chapter 7) are infractions - a civil penalty, not a crime, with no jail - under Idaho's general infraction rule. Idaho Code §§ 49-702, 49-704, 49-236(2); § 18-113A |
| Illinois | Pedestrians crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and they may not cross an intersection diagonally unless traffic-control devices allow it. A pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop, and drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk where there are no working signals. Violating these Vehicle Code rules is a petty offense unless the Chapter says otherwise, with a fine of up to $1,000 (minimum $75 unless the law says otherwise) and no jail. 625 ILCS 5/11-1002, 5/11-1003, 5/11-202; 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-75 |
| 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). IC 9-21-17-3, -5, -7, -9, -10, -24; IC 34-28-5-4(c) |
| Iowa | Pedestrians must obey traffic-control signals at intersections. A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles (and cities may restrict such crossings by ordinance); where signals operate at a place that is not an intersection, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk. Drivers must still use due care to avoid pedestrians. Pedestrian violations are scheduled violations with a $35 fine. Iowa Code §§ 321.325, 321.328, 321.329, 805.8A (pedestrian and bicyclist violations) |
| Kansas | Pedestrians must follow traffic and pedestrian-control signals and may not start across on a steady yellow. A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent signalized intersections, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and may not cross an intersection diagonally unless signals allow it. Drivers must still use due care to avoid pedestrians. These are traffic infractions: the uniform fine is $45 for an improper pedestrian crossing and $45 for violating a pedestrian-control signal, plus court costs. K.S.A. 8-1508, 8-1534, 8-1535, 8-2118(c) |
| Kentucky | Pedestrians must obey traffic-control devices and pedestrian signals. A pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent signalized intersections within city limits, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk; they may not cross an intersection diagonally unless signals allow it, step suddenly into the path of a nearby vehicle, or walk in the roadway where a usable sidewalk exists. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where no signal operates and use due care. A violation carries a fine of $20 to $100. KRS 189.570; KRS 189.990 |
| Louisiana | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, and between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk. A pedestrian may not suddenly step off the curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop, and may not start crossing against a 'Don't Walk' signal. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where there are no working signals. Unless another penalty is specified, a first violation of these rules of the road is punishable by a fine of up to $175, up to 30 days, or both (later violations up to $500 and 90 days). La. R.S. 32:212, 32:213, 32:233; R.S. 32:57(A)(1) |
| Maine | A pedestrian crossing a road anywhere other than in a marked crosswalk must yield to vehicles, may not cross between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals except in a marked crosswalk, may not cross an intersection diagonally unless signs allow it, and may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. Where a sidewalk is practicable, pedestrians must use it; without sidewalks they must walk facing traffic. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks when signals are not operating and leave at least 3 feet when passing a pedestrian. Unless the law says otherwise, a violation of the motor vehicle title is a traffic infraction, which is not a crime; the fine is $25 to $500 unless another amount is authorized. 29-A M.R.S. § 2056; §§ 103, 104 |
| Maryland | A pedestrian who crosses a roadway anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, or where a pedestrian tunnel or overpass is provided, must yield the right-of-way to approaching vehicles. Between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and may not cross an intersection diagonally unless a traffic control device allows it. Violations of the Maryland Vehicle Law are misdemeanors unless the law makes them felonies or civil violations, and unless otherwise provided the maximum penalty is a $500 fine. Md. Code, Transp. §§ 21-503, 27-101 |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts pedestrian rules are set by the state highway department and by cities and towns (with state approval) rather than written into one statute. A violation of those pedestrian rules is punished by a fine of $1 for each of the first, second or third offense in a calendar year and $2 for the fourth or later offense; the officer gives the pedestrian a written notice to appear before the district court clerk. G.L. c. 90, § 18A |
| Michigan | Pedestrians must obey pedestrian control signals: on 'Walk' they may cross and drivers must yield, and on 'Don't Walk' they may not start to cross (those already crossing must continue to a sidewalk or safety island); where there are no special pedestrian signals they follow the regular traffic signal. Where sidewalks exist, pedestrians may not walk on the main traveled part of the highway, and where there are none they must, if practicable, walk on the left side facing traffic. Violations are civil infractions, not crimes; unless another amount is set, the civil fine for a Vehicle Code civil infraction is up to $100. MCL 257.613, 257.655, 257.907(2)(a) |
| Minnesota | A pedestrian crossing a roadway anywhere other than in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection without a marked crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, must yield where a pedestrian tunnel or overpass is provided, and between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals may cross only in a marked crosswalk. Drivers must still use due care to avoid pedestrians. Unless the traffic code says otherwise, a violation is a petty misdemeanor (not a crime), punishable by a fine up to $300 with no jail; it can become a misdemeanor if it endangers people or property or follows two or more petty misdemeanor convictions within 12 months. Minn. Stat. § 169.21, subd. 3; § 169.89, subds. 1, 2 |
| Mississippi | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, and between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals may cross only in a marked crosswalk; drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where signals are not operating. Violations of these traffic rules are misdemeanors unless another penalty applies: up to $100 or up to 10 days in jail for a first conviction, up to $200 and/or 20 days for a second within a year, and up to $500 and/or six months for a third. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 63-3-1105, 63-3-1103, 63-9-11 |
| Missouri | Missouri's pedestrian rules are in the Model Traffic Ordinance (RSMo chapter 300), which applies in cities that adopt it: drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where signals are not operating, pedestrians may not suddenly step off a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop, and outside a crosswalk a pedestrian must cross at right angles or by the shortest route. The statutes read do not set a state penalty; penalties come from the adopting city's ordinance. RSMo §§ 300.375, 300.385, 300.600 |
| Montana | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, or where a pedestrian tunnel or overpass is provided, must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, and between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals may cross only in a marked crosswalk. A violation of the traffic code is a misdemeanor punished by a fine of $10 to $100 for a first conviction, $25 to $200 for a second within a year, and $50 to $500 for a third within a year. MCA 61-8-503, 61-8-711 |
| Nebraska | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, or where a tunnel or overpass is provided, must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working signals pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and they may not cross an intersection diagonally unless signals allow it. Drivers must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk in their lane or the adjacent lane where signals are not operating, and pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. A violation is a traffic infraction with a fine of up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $300 for a third within a year. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-6,154, 60-6,153, 60-682, 60-689 |
| Nevada | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent signalized intersections pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and they may not cross an intersection diagonally unless traffic-control devices allow it. A violation is not a misdemeanor; it is punishable only by a civil penalty of up to $100. Walking along a highway where a sidewalk is provided, or on the traveled part of a highway while intoxicated, remains a misdemeanor. NRS 484B.287, 484B.297 |
| New Hampshire | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right of way to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working signals pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and they may not cross an intersection diagonally unless traffic devices allow it. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk where signals are not operating, and pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a close vehicle; where sidewalks exist pedestrians may not walk in the road. A violation is a 'violation' (not a crime) with a $50 fine plus penalty assessment for a first offense and $100 for a later offense in the same year. RSA 265:36, 265:35, 265:39, 265:2, 262:41 |
| New Jersey | Where traffic is controlled by signals or police, pedestrians may not cross against a 'stop' or red signal and must cross only within a crosswalk; elsewhere they must use a crosswalk or cross at right angles, and a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles. Pedestrians may not step into the path of a car too close to stop, and must use the sidewalk where one is provided. These sections set no specific penalty, so the general penalty for the chapter applies: up to $50 or up to 15 days in jail, or both, or $50 to $200 for violations in certain listed articles of the chapter. R.S. 39:4-32, 39:4-33, 39:4-34, 39:4-203 |
| New Mexico | Pedestrians must obey traffic-control signals at intersections, and cities may by ordinance require strict compliance and ban crossing outside crosswalks in business districts or on designated highways. A pedestrian crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent signalized intersections pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk; and a pedestrian may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to yield. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where signals are not operating. Violations are penalty assessment misdemeanors with a $25.00 penalty assessment ('Pedestrian violation 66-7-333 through 66-7-340'). NMSA 1978, §§ 66-7-333, 66-7-334, 66-7-335; § 66-8-116(A) |
| New York | Pedestrians facing a steady 'Don't Walk' or upraised-hand signal may not start to cross, and those already crossing must continue to a sidewalk or safety island; with a 'Walk' signal they may cross and vehicles must yield. A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles, and may not cross an intersection diagonally unless signs allow it. Violations are traffic infractions; where no other penalty applies, a first conviction is a fine of up to $150, up to 15 days in jail, or both. N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §§ 1112, 1152, 1800(a)-(b) |
| North Carolina | Pedestrians facing a 'Don't Walk' signal may not start to cross, and those already crossing on 'Walk' must continue to a sidewalk or safety island. A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles, and between adjacent intersections with operating traffic signals pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk. Violations of these traffic rules are infractions with a penalty of up to $100 unless a specific penalty applies. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 20-172, 20-174, 20-176(a)-(b) |
| North Dakota | Pedestrians facing a steady or flashing 'Don't Walk' signal may not start to cross. A pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with operating traffic signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and they may not cross an intersection diagonally unless signals allow. Traffic violations like these are noncriminal offenses; violations of the rules-of-the-road chapter are moving violations with a $20 statutory fee. N.D.C.C. §§ 39-10-06, 39-10-29, 39-06.1-02, 39-06.1-06(2), 39-06.1-09 |
| Ohio | Pedestrians may start across on a steady 'Walk' signal but may not start on a flashing 'Don't Walk' or enter the roadway on a steady upraised hand. A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles; between adjacent intersections with operating signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, may not cross diagonally unless signals allow, and may not suddenly step into the path of a close vehicle. Violating the crossing rules is a minor misdemeanor (fine up to $150), a fourth-degree misdemeanor with one traffic conviction in the past year, and a third-degree misdemeanor with two or more. R.C. 4511.14, 4511.46(B), 4511.48; R.C. 2929.14, 2929.18, 2929.24, 2929.28 |
| Oklahoma | Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk when signals are not working, but a pedestrian may not suddenly step off a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. A pedestrian crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield to vehicles, and between adjacent intersections with working signals pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk. A violation is a misdemeanor; with no other penalty set, it is punished by a fine of $5 to $500 or up to ten (10) days (longer for repeat offenses within a year). 47 O.S. §§ 11-502, 11-503, 17-101(B) |
| Oregon | Pedestrians must obey traffic signals (for example, not entering the roadway against a steady red or yellow light unless a pedestrian signal allows it); failing to do so is a Class D traffic violation. A pedestrian must not suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop, and must yield to vehicles when crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection; failing to yield is also a Class D traffic violation. A Class D violation is fine-only, with a maximum fine of $250 and a presumptive fine of $115. ORS 814.010, 814.020, 814.040; ORS 153.018, 153.019 |
| Pennsylvania | Where signals are absent or not working, drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, but a pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to be a hazard. A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to all vehicles; in urban districts, between adjacent intersections with working signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and may not cross an intersection diagonally unless authorized. Local governments may require pedestrians to obey traffic signals by ordinance. A pedestrian violation is a summary offense with a $5 fine unless another penalty applies; a driver who fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is fined $50. 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 3541, 3542, 3543, 3552 |
| Rhode Island | Pedestrians must obey traffic signals at intersections (or strictly if a local ordinance requires). Where signals are not working, drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, but a pedestrian may not suddenly leave the curb into the path of a vehicle too close to yield. A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield to all vehicles, and between adjacent signalized intersections pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk. Crossing other than at a crosswalk is a civil traffic violation with a $100 fine on the traffic tribunal schedule; drivers who fail to yield in a crosswalk are also fined $100. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-18-1, 31-18-3, 31-18-5, 31-18-7, 31-41.1-4 |
| South Carolina | Pedestrians must obey traffic and pedestrian signals (for example, not entering the roadway against a steady red unless a pedestrian signal allows it, and not starting to cross on 'Wait'). Where signals are not working, drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, but pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a nearby vehicle. A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles; between adjacent signalized intersections pedestrians must use a marked crosswalk; and diagonal crossing is barred unless authorized. Where there is no sidewalk, pedestrians must use the shoulder or edge, facing traffic on two-way roads. A violation is a misdemeanor; with no other penalty, it is punished by a fine up to $100 or up to 30 days. S.C. Code §§ 56-5-970, 56-5-990, 56-5-3130, 56-5-3150, 56-5-3160, 56-5-6190 |
| South Dakota | In business and residential districts, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and regular crossings at the end of a block (except where traffic is controlled by officers or signals), but a pedestrian may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. At signal-controlled intersections, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing on a green or go signal, and otherwise pedestrians must yield to vehicles going straight on a green; a pedestrian violation is a petty offense. A pedestrian crossing a highway in a business or residential district other than at a crossing, crosswalk or intersection must yield to vehicles ('jaywalking'), also a petty offense. Local governments may by ordinance bar crossing against a red signal and require crosswalk use between controlled intersections. SDCL 32-27-1, 32-27-2, 32-27-3, 32-27-4 |
| Tennessee | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles, and between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals a pedestrian must cross only in a marked crosswalk. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to yield. Violating a rule of the road is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days or a fine up to $50) unless another penalty is set. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-8-134, 55-8-135, 55-8-103; Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111 |
| Texas | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to vehicles; between adjacent signalized intersections pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and diagonal crossing is allowed only where a traffic device permits. Pedestrians must use an available sidewalk and may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1 to $200 (no jail). Tex. Transp. Code §§ 552.005, 552.006, 552.003(b), 542.301, 542.401 |
| Utah | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working signals a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and diagonal crossing is allowed only where a traffic device permits. Pedestrians must obey pedestrian signals, use sidewalks where practicable, and not step suddenly into traffic. These violations are infractions (fine only, up to $750), not crimes. Utah Code §§ 41-6a-1001, 41-6a-1002, 41-6a-1003, 41-6a-1009; 76-3-301 |
| Vermont | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than within a marked crosswalk must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and diagonal crossing is allowed only where signs or an officer permit. Pedestrians must obey traffic-control devices. These are civil traffic violations, not crimes; where no specific penalty is set, the penalty is up to $1,000. 23 V.S.A. §§ 1052, 1058, 2302 |
| Virginia | Pedestrians must cross, wherever possible, only at intersections or marked crosswalks and may not carelessly or maliciously interfere with traffic, but crossing at an unmarked intersection or between intersections by the most direct route is not negligence as a matter of law. Pedestrians may not step out between intersections from behind an obstruction where drivers cannot see them. Since 2020, police may not stop a pedestrian for these violations, and evidence from such a stop is inadmissible. Violations are traffic infractions with a fine up to $250 (the Class 4 misdemeanor amount). Va. Code §§ 46.2-923, 46.2-926, 46.2-113; 18.2-11 |
| Washington | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent signalized intersections pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, diagonal crossing is allowed only where a traffic device permits, and pedestrians may not cross at an unmarked crosswalk where a sign forbids it or suddenly step into the path of a vehicle. These rules do not apply on designated 'shared streets.' Pedestrian violations are traffic infractions (civil), not crimes. RCW 46.61.240, 46.61.235(2), 46.63.020 |
| West Virginia | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to vehicles, and between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk. A pedestrian may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop, and on a 'Wait' signal may not start crossing; drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where signals are not operating. Violating a Walk/Wait signal is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $100 (up to $200 for a second within a year, up to $500 for a third); other pedestrian violations fall under the traffic code's default misdemeanor penalty (up to $100 or 10 days for a first conviction). No statewide decriminalization was found. W. Va. Code §§ 17C-10-2, 17C-10-3, 17C-3-6, 17C-18-1 |
| Wisconsin | A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield to all vehicles. At signal-controlled intersections, pedestrians may start crossing only on a green or walk signal, and may not start on a 'Don't Walk' signal (steady or flashing). A pedestrian may not suddenly step off the curb into the path of a vehicle too close to yield. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections. Pedestrian violations are civil forfeitures, not crimes: $2 to $20 for a first offense and $10 to $50 for a second within a year. Wis. Stat. §§ 346.23, 346.24, 346.25, 346.38, 346.30(1)(a), 346.43(1)(a) |
| Wyoming | A pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles; between adjacent intersections with working signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk; and diagonal crossing of an intersection is barred unless signs allow it. Pedestrians may not start crossing on a 'Don't Walk' signal and may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where signals are not in place or not working. Violations are misdemeanors under the traffic code's general penalty: a fine of up to $200 for a first conviction, up to $300 for a second within a year, and up to $500 and/or 6 months for a third. No statewide decriminalization was found. W.S. 31-5-601, 31-5-602, 31-5-603, 31-5-404, 31-5-1201(a)-(b) |
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.