A: Jaywalking is a commonly used term that refers to crossing a street in a manner that violates traffic laws, such as crossing a street mid-block, or acting in a reckless manner, such as crossing in front of vehicles and disregarding traffic signals. While walking recklessly is illegal, crossing between signals is allowable in certain circumstances. The Florida Department of Transportation states that pedestrians may cross mid-block under the following circumstances:
- Pedestrians may cross mid-block if the nearest intersection does not have a traffic signal.
- Pedestrians may not cross between adjacent signalized intersections.
- Pedestrians must yield to all vehicles on the roadway.
- Pedestrians must cross at right angles to the roadway, or by the shortest route possible to reach the opposite side.
