Is Idaho Jaywalking Only A Crime If It Slows Traffic?

Jaywalking is one of those types of crimes where, if it wasn't witnessed by police, it didn't happen. It's not like a person is going to make a citizen's arrest over it, unless maybe an accident results.

In all my years on this planet, I've never heard of a single friend, relative, or acquaintance being ticketed for jaywalking. The crime almost seems like an urban legend.

Is jaywalking one of those types of pedestrian actions that most police officers will just ignore?

Jaywalking Happens Frequently In Twin Falls And Does Cause Traffic Concerns

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Jaywalking is going on throughout Twin Falls on the daily, and I see it happen on busy streets like Blue Lakes Boulevard pretty frequently, and often those doing it are taking their sweet time and causing traffic to slow or even stop completely.

If you take a moment to research it, it is still an illegal activity, according to information found on a state government website. First-time offenders can receive a fine of more than $100.

I also see this happen a lot on Falls Avenue near the Turf Club and by the College of Southern Idaho. Some use the trail crosswalk, and others don't. Drivers who have to slow down for people not using crosswalks are running a risk of getting rear-ended.

READ MORE: Are Certain Idaho Crimes Overlooked By Locals And Police?

I'm all for yielding to pedestrians, but if they're not using a crosswalk, they are at fault if an accident should occur, so it's sort of a big deal. Cars should always stop for pedestrians, but if they are illegally crossing the highway, it wouldn't be the motorist's fault if something unfortunate transpired, according to the Internet.

Have you ever been cited for jaywalking or know someone who has?