New York City Decriminalizes Jaywalking, Marking Shift in Traffic Laws

 

Crossing streets outside designated crosswalks or against the signal is now officially legal in New York City. The legislation, approved by the city council last month, automatically became law after Mayor Eric Adams refrained from signing or vetoing it within 30 days.

Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who sponsored the bill, noted that the reform addresses racial disparities in jaywalking enforcement. “Every New Yorker jaywalks. Laws penalizing common, everyday movements, especially when they unfairly impact communities of color, should not exist,” Narcisse remarked.

Under the new law, pedestrians can cross roadways at any location, including against traffic lights, without facing penalties. However, pedestrians must still yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles.

While Mayor Adams did not provide a statement on the legislation, his spokesperson, Liz Garcia, emphasized that crossing mid-block and against traffic signals remains risky and may still carry civil liability for accidents. “We continue to urge pedestrians to use designated crosswalks and walk signals to ensure safety,” Garcia stated.

The decriminalization follows similar moves by other U.S. cities, including Denver, Kansas City, and several states like California and Nevada, which have repealed jaywalking laws in recent years. America Walks, a pedestrian advocacy group, supports the changes, arguing that street safety should prioritize road design and speeding issues rather than jaywalking laws. “Cities focused on safety should invest in street design over jaywalking laws,” said Mike McGinn, the group’s executive director.

Historically, jaywalking laws emerged in the 1930s, driven by the automotive industry’s efforts to limit pedestrian traffic and make streets more vehicle-friendly. New York City’s jaywalking law, introduced in 1958, included fines up to $250.

The Legal Aid Society applauded the repeal, noting that jaywalking laws have long enabled police to stop and question residents, particularly people of color. “With this reform, we hope to see continued efforts to eliminate outdated laws that only entangle individuals in the legal system,” the organization stated.

Many police officers reportedly support the change, agreeing that their time could be better spent on more significant issues. Narcisse echoed this, noting, “No one’s relieved when a jaywalker is ticketed. Eliminating these penalties allows our officers to focus on what truly matters.”