Can I cross the road anywhere?

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What it really means

In the UK there's no law against crossing away from a crossing ("jaywalking" isn't an offence in England, Scotland and Wales), and locals cross wherever it's safe. But remember traffic drives on the LEFT, so look right first. Using crossings is still the safest choice, especially on busy roads.

Chinese explanation
在英国,不走斑马线过马路并不违法(英格兰、苏格兰和威尔士没有"乱穿马路"罪),本地人只要安全就随处过。但切记英国车辆靠左行驶,过马路要先看右边。在繁忙路段走人行横道仍然是最安全的选择。

Example conversation

A: Can I cross the road anywhere, or do I have to find a crossing? B: You can cross where it's safe — it's not illegal. Just remember to look right first, cars come from the other side here.
A:过马路可以随便过吗,还是必须找斑马线? B:安全的地方就能过——不算违法。但记得先看右边,这里的车是从另一边来的。

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake