Understanding Crosswalk Rules, Pedestrian Laws, and Jaywalking Penalties
Pedestrian safety in Arizona is a growing concern—especially in high-traffic areas like Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Lake Havasu City. Whether you’re commuting by foot or strolling through Old Town Scottsdale, knowing when pedestrians have the legal right of way is essential to staying safe and avoiding fines.
Arizona Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
Under A.R.S. § 28-792, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are:
- Crossing in a marked crosswalk, or
- Within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection
This means that even if there are no painted lines, intersections are typically considered legal crosswalks. Drivers must stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely.
However, pedestrians also have legal responsibilities.
When Pedestrians Do Not Have the Right of Way
According to A.R.S. § 28-793, pedestrians cannot:
- Suddenly step off a curb and walk or run into the path of an oncoming vehicle
- Ignore traffic control signals
- Walk in the roadway when sidewalks are available
Jaywalking—crossing outside a marked or implied crosswalk—is not strictly illegal under Arizona law, but it can result in citations or shared fault if an accident occurs.
Crosswalk Rules Every Pedestrian Should Know
- Marked Crosswalks: Clearly painted and usually located at busy intersections or near schools and commercial areas.
- Unmarked Crosswalks: Typically found at standard intersections even without paint. Drivers are still required to yield.
- Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must obey “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs. Crossing against the signal can lead to legal liability or citations.
Is Jaywalking Illegal in Arizona?
While not banned statewide, jaywalking is regulated by local ordinances. In cities like Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City, police can issue citations for unsafe or illegal crossings.
More importantly, Arizona uses comparative negligence laws—meaning if a pedestrian is hit while jaywalking, they may share legal liability depending on the situation.
Pedestrian Safety Tips in Arizona
Even when you have the right of way:
- Use marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible
- Make eye contact with approaching drivers before crossing
- Stay alert—avoid using phones or headphones near traffic
- Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight at night
Hurt as a Pedestrian in Scottsdale or Lake Havasu?
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking in Maricopa or Mohave County, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The Rideout Law Group team understands Arizona’s pedestrian laws and how they impact personal injury claims. Our attorneys investigate every detail, working to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why Choose Rideout Law Group?
With offices in both Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City, we bring aggressive representation and deep knowledge of local laws and courts.
📍 Scottsdale Office
11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📞 (480) 584-3328
📍 Lake Havasu City Office
2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 (928) 854-8181
📝 Free Consultations Available | 💼 Decades of Combined Experience
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.