Is Jaywalking Illegal in Texas? Crossing Rules, Fines and Costs

Texas has no statute named "jaywalking." The crossing rule is Texas Transportation Code 552.005: a pedestrian crossing a roadway "other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection" must yield the right-of-way to vehicles, may cross between adjacent intersections with operating traffic control signals "only in a marked crosswalk," and may cross an intersection diagonally only if and in the manner a traffic control device authorizes. Ordinary mid-block crossing is therefore a duty to yield, not a ban, unless a city has used 552.009 to prohibit crossing in a business district or on a designated highway except in a crosswalk. Chapter 552 sets no penalty for these rules, so the general rule applies: an offense under the subtitle is a misdemeanor (542.301), punishable by a fine of not less than $1 or more than $200 (542.401), with a $50 state traffic fine and other costs added on top (542.4031). To compare other states, see our guide to jaywalking laws by state.

Information last verified on 2026-10-10. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Texas state law: Texas Transportation Code chapter 552 (Pedestrians and Other Sidewalk Users), the definitions of "crosswalk" and "pedestrian" in 541.302 and 541.001, the general offense and penalty sections 542.301 and 542.401, the added fines and costs in 542.4031, 542.403 and Local Government Code 134.103, and the arrest rule in 543.001. It does not cover the text of any city ordinance, local fee schedules, driver license consequences, injury claims after a crash, or the law of other states.

Is jaywalking illegal in Texas?

It depends on where and how you cross. Texas Transportation Code 552.005 provides:

"(a) A pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway if crossing a roadway at a place: (1) other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection; or (2) where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided. (b) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk. (c) A pedestrian may cross a roadway intersection diagonally only if and in the manner authorized by a traffic control device."

Subsection (a) is a yield rule, not a prohibition. A pedestrian who crosses mid-block, waits for a gap and lets every vehicle pass first complies with it. The same goes for crossing near a pedestrian tunnel or footbridge: the statute requires the pedestrian to yield there, not to use the tunnel or bridge.

Subsections (b) and (c) are flat rules. On a block between two adjacent intersections that both have operating traffic control signals, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and yielding to traffic does not cure a crossing elsewhere. A diagonal crossing of an intersection is lawful only where a traffic control device authorizes it, and only in the manner the device allows.

Cities can add to these rules. Under 552.009, a city may make crosswalk-only crossing the rule in its business districts and on highways it designates, which would make an ordinary mid-block crossing on those roads unlawful even when the pedestrian yields (see the section on city ordinances below).

The $1 to $200 range in this table is the fine alone; the penalty section below lists the fines and costs added to it.

What counts as a crosswalk in Texas

Because 552.005(a) turns on whether the pedestrian is in "a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection," the definition decides most cases. Texas Transportation Code 541.302(2) provides that "crosswalk" means:

"(A) the portion of a roadway, including an intersection, designated as a pedestrian crossing by surface markings, including lines; or (B) the portion of a roadway at an intersection that is within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway."

Part (A) covers painted crossings, at an intersection or mid-block. Part (B) creates an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, drawn from the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway, whether or not any paint is on the road. These definitions apply throughout the subtitle that includes chapter 552.

The distinction between marked and unmarked crosswalks matters under subsection (b). At an ordinary intersection, an unmarked crosswalk counts as a crosswalk under 552.005(a). But on a block between two signal-controlled intersections, 552.005(b) requires a marked crosswalk.

The same subtitle defines "pedestrian" as "a person on foot" (541.001(3)).

Traffic lights and Walk signals

Pedestrians in Texas follow both ordinary traffic lights and pedestrian signal heads. Under 552.001:

"(b) A pedestrian or sidewalk user facing a green signal may proceed across a roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk unless the sole green signal is a turn arrow. (c) A pedestrian or sidewalk user facing a steady red signal alone or a steady yellow signal may not enter a roadway."

Two points stand out. A green turn arrow, when it is the only green signal, does not let a pedestrian cross. And Texas treats a steady yellow like a steady red for pedestrians: neither one allows a pedestrian to enter the roadway.

Where pedestrian signals are installed, 552.002 provides:

"(b) A pedestrian or sidewalk user facing a 'Walk' signal may proceed across a roadway in the direction of the signal, and the operator of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian or sidewalk user. (c) A pedestrian or sidewalk user may not start to cross a roadway in the direction of a 'Don't Walk' signal or a 'Wait' signal. A pedestrian or sidewalk user who has partially crossed while the 'Walk' signal is displayed shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the 'Don't Walk' signal or 'Wait' signal is displayed."

So starting across on Don't Walk or Wait is prohibited, but a pedestrian already partway across on Walk keeps going to a sidewalk or safety island. The words "or sidewalk user" in 552.001 and 552.002 come from Senate Bill 2039, which took effect on September 1, 2025. For scooter riders and others who use sidewalks, see Texas e-scooter laws.

City ordinances: business districts and designated highways

Texas Transportation Code 552.009 gives cities their own pedestrian powers:

"A local authority may by ordinance: (1) require pedestrians to comply strictly with the directions of an official traffic control signal; and (2) prohibit pedestrians from crossing a roadway in a business district or a designated highway except in a crosswalk."

Where a city has adopted an ordinance under paragraph (2), the state's yield rule is not the last word: on those roads, crossing outside a crosswalk can violate the ordinance even if no car is coming. The wording of each ordinance, and which highways are designated, belong to the city. Before relying on the state rule, check your city's code of ordinances or ask the police department or municipal court clerk.

What drivers owe pedestrians

Texas also places duties on drivers. Transportation Code 552.003 provides:

"(a) The operator of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if: (1) no traffic control signal is in place or in operation; and (2) the pedestrian is: (A) on the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling; or (B) approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed into a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle so close that it is impossible for the vehicle operator to stop and yield. (c) The operator of a vehicle approaching from the rear of a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross a roadway may not pass the stopped vehicle."

The Texas wording is "stop and yield," not just "yield," both here and at a Walk signal under 552.002(b). On top of the crosswalk rules, 552.008 imposes a general duty:

"Notwithstanding another provision of this chapter, the operator of a vehicle shall: (1) exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway; (2) give warning by sounding the horn when necessary; and (3) exercise proper precaution on observing a child or an obviously confused or incapacitated person on a roadway."

Because 552.008 applies "notwithstanding another provision of this chapter," a driver owes due care even to a pedestrian who is crossing outside a crosswalk and is the one required to yield under 552.005.

A driver emerging from or entering an alley, building, or private road or driveway must stop and yield to a pedestrian approaching on a sidewalk that extends across it (552.006(c)). Under 552.010(b), a driver approaching an intersection or crosswalk where a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane is crossing must take necessary precautions, and must come to a full stop if that is the only way to avoid injury or danger.

The penalties are higher when a collision follows. If a driver's failure to yield under 552.003(a) causes a collision resulting in serious bodily injury or death to a visually impaired or disabled person, the offense is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 and 30 hours of community service (552.003(d)). Section 552.010(c) sets the same penalty when a violation of 552.010 causes serious bodily injury or death to a blind person.

Walking along the road

Section 552.006 governs walking along a road, as opposed to crossing it:

"(a) A pedestrian may not walk along and on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is provided and is accessible to the pedestrian. (b) If a sidewalk is not provided, a pedestrian walking along and on a highway shall walk on the left side of the roadway or the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic, unless the left side of the roadway or the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic is obstructed or unsafe."

Subsection (a) applies only when the sidewalk is "accessible to the pedestrian," and subsection (b) gives way when the left side or shoulder is "obstructed or unsafe." The section was last amended in 2023 by House Bill 1277, effective September 1, 2023.

Jaywalking fine and penalty in Texas

Chapter 552 does not attach a penalty to 552.001, 552.002, 552.005 or 552.006. The general rules in chapter 542 fill the gap. Section 542.301 provides:

"(a) A person commits an offense if the person performs an act prohibited or fails to perform an act required by this subtitle. (b) Except as otherwise provided, an offense under this subtitle is a misdemeanor."

The amount comes from 542.401: "A person convicted of an offense that is a misdemeanor under this subtitle for which another penalty is not provided shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1 or more than $200."

So a Texas jaywalking violation is a Transportation Code misdemeanor with a fine range of $1 to $200. That is a range, not a set fine: no statute sets a fixed statewide amount within it. The citation, or the court that handles it, shows the amount actually owed.

The $1 to $200 fine is not the whole bill. A person who pleads guilty or no contest to, or is convicted of, an offense under this subtitle also pays a $50 state traffic fine, even if the court defers final disposition (542.4031). A conviction adds a $3 fine (542.403) and a $14 local consolidated court cost (Local Government Code 134.103). The $62 state consolidated court cost for fine-only misdemeanors does not apply to a conviction of an offense relating to a pedestrian (Local Government Code 133.102(a)(3)).

Paying a ticket by mail is done with a plea of guilty or no contest and a waiver of jury trial (Code of Criminal Procedure art. 27.14(b)). For a misdemeanor punishable by fine only, a judge may instead defer further proceedings for up to 180 days without entering an adjudication of guilt (art. 45A.302(a)), so ask the court about deferred disposition before paying.

A pedestrian violation is an offense under the same subtitle as other traffic violations, and any peace officer may arrest without a warrant a person found committing a violation of that subtitle (543.001). A written notice to appear is mandatory only for speeding, wireless-device and open-container offenses (543.004(c)); a person who signs a written promise to appear is released (543.005). Refusing to give your name, residence address or date of birth to an officer who has lawfully arrested you and asked for it, or giving false ones to an officer who has lawfully detained you, is a separate offense (Penal Code 38.02).

If a pedestrian is hit by a car

Whether a pedestrian yielded under 552.005, and whether a driver met the duties in 552.003 and 552.008, can come up after a collision. For how fault and insurance claims work after a crash, see Texas car accident laws.

Related pages

• Jaywalking laws by state
• Texas car accident laws
• Texas e-scooter laws
• Oklahoma jaywalking laws
• New Mexico jaywalking laws

This article provides general legal information about Texas law, not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Texas or the court handling the citation.

Last updated: 2026-10-10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jaywalking illegal in Texas?

Crossing outside a crosswalk is lawful under state law only if you yield the right-of-way to vehicles (Texas Transportation Code 552.005(a)). Crossing between adjacent signal-controlled intersections outside a marked crosswalk, or diagonally without authorization, violates 552.005(b) and (c), and cities may require crosswalk use in business districts and on designated highways (552.009).

What is the fine for jaywalking in Texas?

A pedestrian violation of chapter 552 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1 or more than $200 (Texas Transportation Code 542.301, 542.401). No statute sets a fixed statewide amount within that range; the citation or the court shows what is owed. A plea or conviction also brings a $50 state traffic fine (542.4031), and a conviction a $3 fine (542.403) and a $14 local consolidated court cost (Local Government Code 134.103).

Is jaywalking a crime in Texas?

It is a misdemeanor under the Transportation Code (542.301(b)), and 542.401 sets a fine of $1 to $200 for a person convicted of it, with other fines and costs added (542.4031, 542.403). Chapter 552 sets no separate penalty for the pedestrian crossing rules.

Can I cross the street between two traffic lights in Texas?

Only in a marked crosswalk. Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk (Texas Transportation Code 552.005(b)).

Can a pedestrian cross on a yellow light in Texas?

No. A pedestrian facing a steady red signal alone or a steady yellow signal may not enter a roadway (Texas Transportation Code 552.001(c)). On a green signal a pedestrian may cross within a crosswalk unless the sole green signal is a turn arrow (552.001(b)).

Do drivers have to stop for pedestrians in Texas crosswalks?

Yes, where no traffic control signal is in place or in operation, a driver must stop and yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk who is on the driver's half of the roadway or approaching so closely from the other half as to be in danger (552.003(a)). At a Walk signal, drivers must also stop and yield (552.002(b)).

Can Texas cities ban jaywalking?

Cities may by ordinance prohibit pedestrians from crossing a roadway in a business district or on a designated highway except in a crosswalk, and may require strict compliance with traffic control signals (Texas Transportation Code 552.009).

Which side of the road should I walk on in Texas?

If no sidewalk is provided, walk on the left side of the roadway or shoulder facing oncoming traffic, unless that side is obstructed or unsafe (Texas Transportation Code 552.006(b)). If an adjacent sidewalk is provided and accessible, you may not walk along and on the roadway (552.006(a)).