New York City Legalizes Jaywalking

By
People walking through the Fifth Avenue in New York City.
People walking through the Fifth Avenue in New York City. LEONARDO MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images

One of the most common offenses committed by New Yorkers is now legal.

New York City has officially legalized jaywalking, allowing pedestrians to cross streets outside crosswalks or against traffic signals.

While pedestrians may now cross anywhere, they are still required to yield to traffic with the right of way and could face civil liability in accidents.

The law took effect after Mayor Eric Adams chose not to act on it within 30 days, following the City Council's approval, according to the Associated Press.

Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, a Brooklyn Democrat who sponsored the legislation, said it addresses racial disparities in enforcement, as over 90 percent of jaywalking tickets had previously been issued to Black and Latino residents.

"Let's be real, every New Yorker jaywalks," Narcisse said to the Associated Press. "People are simply trying to get where they need to go. Laws that penalize common behaviors for everyday movement shouldn't exist, especially when they unfairly impact communities of color."

She said officers agreed with the decision, citing how they could spend their time doing other police tasks.

In New York City, jaywalking laws have been official since 1958 and carried a fine of up to $250.

This change aligns with other states such as California, Nevada, and Virginia that have decriminalized jaywalking. California, in particular, faced national scrutiny and accusations of police brutality after nine Stockton officers arrested one teen for jaywalking in 2015.

In Austin, instead of issuing a citation, a police officer attempted to violently arrest a jaywalking man leading to the suspect freeing himself and prompting an investigation of using excessive force.

The Legal Aid Society praised the law.

"We will closely monitor implementation to ensure that the NYPD fully follows the spirit and intent of this needed reform," it said on X.

Originally published on International Business Times.

Tags
New York
Join the Discussion
More Law & Society
Police Chief Spiked Officers' Coffee With Viagra, Left Body Hair

Police Chief Terrorized Staff by Pooping on the Floor, Spiking Coffee with Viagra and Sprinkling Body Hair on Food: Complaint

Texas Man Rammed Parked Tesla

Texas Man Rammed ATV Into Parked Tesla 'at Full Speed,' Keyed 'Elon' Into Side of Others: Police

Dumpster Diving Pedo_03282025_1

Binders of Child Porn Discovered in Dumpster by Homeless Duo Leads Man to Admit to Molesting Dozens of Children: Police

Prisoner Kills Man in Knife Attack Hours After Being Released

Prisoner Kills Man in Knife Attack Hours After Being Released From Jail Early