‘Jaywalking’

Jaywalking is defined as illegally or recklessly crossing the street without regard to traffic regulations. There is no specific offence of jaywalking but under the Road Traffic Act 1971 and the Australian Road Rules a number of offences exist in relation to walking without regard to other road users or without regard to safety.

Under s 87 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 it is an offence to walk without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Maximum penalty: $2,500

Under the Australian Road Rules it is an offence for a pedestrian to cross a road diagonally, unless at an intersection where this is allowed.

Rule 230 states that a pedestrian must cross a road by the shortest safest route and under rule 232 they can only cross when the pedestrian lights are green.

A pedestrian must not cross a road, within 20 metres of a crossing on the road, except at the crossing or another crossing (R 234).

The maximum penalty for offences under the Australian Road Rules is $2,500 and the expiation fee is $19.