No, jaywalking and littering in Delaware are not laws you break every day without realizing—they are enforced statutes with clear penalties under Title 21 of the Delaware Code. Jaywalking violates pedestrian rules by crossing outside crosswalks or against signals, while littering carries fines starting at $100 for small amounts.
Jaywalking Rules
Delaware law (§ 4145) prohibits pedestrians from crossing roadways diagonally without signals or suddenly into vehicle paths, with first-offense fines of $50-$75 escalating to $100-$125 for repeats. Pedestrians must use sidewalks if available (§ 4146) or walk facing traffic on shoulders, facing $10-$28.75 fines initially. No lights required beyond city limits after dark carries $25-$50 penalties.
Littering Penalties
Littering falls under § 4148 and environmental codes, with fines from $75-$230 for basic violations and up to $575 plus jail for repeats or highway dumping. Amounts under 1 pound start at $100, rising with volume or intent.
Common Misconceptions
These are standard traffic and public safety rules, not obscure “everyday” traps—enforcement targets hazards, with exceptions for races or emergencies. Hitchhiking or soliciting rides on highways adds separate fines.
SOURCES
[1](https://deldot.gov/Programs/pedestrian_council/pdfs/2016/March/TITLE%2021_updated2.pdf)
[2](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c041/sc05/index.html)
[3](https://delawaredefensivedriving.org/delaware-rules-of-walking-in-the-street-for-pedestrians/)
[4](https://legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/j/jay-walking)
[5](https://legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws?volume=45&chapter=292)
