Is Jaywalking Illegal in New Jersey?

New Jersey Jaywalking Laws Explained

Yes, jaywalking is illegal in New Jersey. State law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-32 to 39:4-36) regulates pedestrian crossing behavior.

Key Provisions

• Crosswalks required: Pedestrians must use marked crosswalks at intersections with traffic signals.
• Unmarked crosswalks: At intersections without signals, pedestrians may cross at right angles (implied crosswalk).
• Mid-block crossing: Illegal if a crosswalk exists within 100 feet. Beyond 100 feet, crossing is permitted if yielding to vehicles.
• Pedestrian signals: Must obey "Walk/Don't Walk" signals.
• Diagonal crossing: Prohibited unless authorized by signal.

Penalties

• State fine: Up to $50 (plus court costs ~$33 = ~$83 total).
• Municipal ordinances: Many towns set higher fines.
  • Newark: $100 (1st offense), $200 (2nd).
  • Jersey City, Hoboken, Atlantic City: Up to $100+.
• Points: No motor vehicle points (pedestrian offense).

Exceptions (No Ticket)

• No crosswalk within 100 feet.
• Yielding to oncoming traffic when crossing mid-block legally.
• Crossing at intersection with malfunctioning signal (treated as stop sign).
• Police/fire/EMT on duty.

Enforcement Reality

• Rarely enforced except in targeted safety campaigns or after accidents.
• More common in shore towns (summer), college towns, high-pedestrian downtowns.
• Drivers must still yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (N.J.S.A. 39:4-36) – failure carries 2 points, $200+ fine.

Safety Context

New Jersey has high pedestrian fatality rates. Laws aim to reduce conflicts, but infrastructure (sidewalks, lighting, crossing islands) is the primary safety factor.