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 Texas, jaywalking is generally defined as a pedestrian crossing a roadway where there is no marked or unmarked crosswalk. Texas law requires that pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles on the road when crossing outside of a crosswalk. Marked crosswalks are typically designated by white painted lines, and at these locations, drivers are obligated to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians also have the right of way at intersections with stop signs and where sidewalks are interrupted, such as alleyway entrances, even if there are no specific crosswalk markings. While jaywalking is not considered as serious as other traffic violations, it can still result in a fine. The amount of the fine for jaywalking can vary by locality within Texas, and if a pedestrian ignores a police officer's warning about the dangers of jaywalking, the fine may be imposed.
