Nearly three million Brits head to the US each year — but many don’t realise a simple everyday habit could land them with a hefty fine.
Jaywalking, which most people in the UK barely think twice about, is treated far more seriously across many American states.
Jaywalking means crossing the road outside a marked crossing or ignoring the pedestrian signal. In the UK, it’s perfectly legal. In the US, it can cost you anywhere from $25 to $500, depending on where you are.
Travel expert Jamie Fraser from Wild Packs says tourists are often the ones caught out. “It feels harmless to Brits, but in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, crossing against the signal can lead to an immediate fine,” he explains.
Some states are particularly strict. In Arizona, jaywalking fines can reach $500. In California, tourists may pay more than $197, while Nevada can issue penalties of up to $200 for crossing in the wrong place.
Fraser says enforcement is especially common in busy city centres, tourist hotspots and transport hubs, where police monitor pedestrian behaviour more closely. “Locals often know which intersections are watched and which aren’t,” he adds. “Visitors don’t — so following the crowd can get you into trouble.”
The advice is simple: always wait for the “Walk” signal, even if the road looks empty, and stick to marked crossings. US cities are designed around cars, Fraser says, and the rules are there to reduce accidents and liability.
For Brits heading stateside, a few extra seconds at the kerb could save a lot of money and a frustrating start to the trip.