When is a pedestrian legally considered to be in a crosswalk?

A pedestrian is legally considered to be in a crosswalk when they are on the marked lines or extending into the intersection. This is because crosswalks are designated areas intended for pedestrian crossing, and they provide a clear path for individuals to travel safely across the roadway. The law recognizes that once a pedestrian has stepped onto the lines of the crosswalk or is within the intersection, they are in a position that indicates an intention to cross the street, thereby granting them certain rights and protections under traffic laws.

Being at the curb or merely waiting to cross does not establish the pedestrian in the crosswalk legally, as they have not yet entered the designated crossing area. Similarly, signaling to cross does not automatically place them in the legal boundaries of the crosswalk, nor does being in the middle of the street without a defined crosswalk provide the pedestrian with the same legal standing as being on or within the confines of the crosswalk. Thus, being physically on the marked lines or extending into the area of the intersection is what legally defines a pedestrian as being in a crosswalk.