In countries where open police corruption is more routine, cops love enforcing such laws because it's a very low-effort to extort bribes. Not even because the fine is significant, but because the procedure to pay it once given a ticket may be rather onerous compared to just handing over a banknote and going on your way.

> Poland is pretty strict. They will fine you if you cross the street

It's varies in different parts of Poland.

Lublin - double fine for crossing a street with an "island" between the lanes on red light

Warsaw - single fine, but ~99% chance of getting fined even if you don't see any cops around

Gdańsk - you can jaywalk in front of a precinct and unless you force drivers to honk, or act stupid in other way - no cop gives a flying fuck. Cities with tourism have cops acting on different rules.

More precisely, it is illegal to cross when there is crosswalk within 100 meters.

Also currently in Tokyo. While the norm, it's starting to change! I've definitely seen a lot of younger people willing to cross against a red when it's obviously safe.

In Poland I always respect the pedestrian lights. Contrary to France and even Germany, drivers expect you to respect them, and especially in Warsaw there is a very high tolerance on speeding on big wide arters. Cars crossing intersections at speeds of more than 90km/h (7.8 furlongs per minute for Americans) are usual in Warsaw.