I think it varies. I suspect in most common cases the lack of enforcement results from the rest of society not having an appetite to punish it. No harm done, no need to punish.

I believe jaywalking (or crossing a red light as a pedestrian) is prohibited, but you would have to do it in front of a really motivated cop (or cause an accident) to actually get a ticket for it. It is common and no one really cares - but if you were to do it in front of children or a school you will probably get disapproving looks or a somewhat stern talking to from others around you.

I think the image of the "order-loving german" is a bit of a stereotype. Some people overdo it (Calling the police for noise harassment if you still mow your lawn at 20:01), but they are generally not popular with their neighbors (or the police...)

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mr_toad 2 days ago | parent | next [-]

Jaywalking is illegal is many jurisdictions, partly for pedestrians own safety, but also partly to shift the blame if a pedestrian is involved in an accident. So it’s mostly seen as a crime where people only hurt themselves.

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em-bee 2 days ago | parent [-]

jaywalking is illegal because the term jaywalking defines the illegal crossing of a street. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaywalking

legal jaywalking is by definition not possible. what is however possible and legal is crossing the street away from a marked crossing. at least in europe and in most places in the world except the united states.

	▲	lokar 2 days ago \| parent [-]
		They changed the law in CA, it's still technically illegal, but police are directed to not cite anyone unless: "... a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of collision with a moving vehicle or other device moving exclusively by human power" Turns out the police were mostly stopping non-white people for it

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lokar 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Any idea how the attitude compares to the Swiss?