Earlier quoted context omitted.
Which countries obey crossing lights as strictly as you describe? I've been to lots of European countries and none were like that. Not in the way that the US is.
Poland is pretty strict. They will fine you if you cross the street where there isnt a crosswalk. And generally people wait for green light in Poland even if there are zero cars on the road.
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.