In a groundbreaking move, jaywalking is now legal in New York City, as legislation passed by the City Council has officially become law. The new law permits pedestrians to cross roadways at any point, including outside of a crosswalk and against traffic signals, without facing penalties under the city’s administrative code. This change aims to end racial disparities in enforcement, as more than 90% of jaywalking tickets issued last year went to Black and Latino people.
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who sponsored the legislation, highlighted that every New Yorker jaywalks and noted that laws penalizing common behaviors for everyday movement should not disproportionately impact communities of color. While the new law allows for jaywalking, pedestrians are still advised to yield to traffic that has the right of way, and they may be liable in civil actions for accidents caused by jaywalking.
The decision to let the bill become law without action from Mayor Eric Adams has received mixed reactions. While some believe it is a step in the right direction to focus police resources on more significant issues, others have expressed concerns about public safety and potential risks associated with unrestricted jaywalking. Throughout history, the tensions between pedestrians and motorists in New York City have been well-documented, with famous scenes like Dustin Hoffman yelling “I’m walking here!” in the film “Midnight Cowboy.”
Advocates like the Legal Aid Society see this legislation as long overdue, as they argue that jaywalking violations have often been used as a pretext for discriminatory policing practices, especially against people of color. Moving forward, the hope is that the city will continue to eliminate laws that serve no public safety purpose and reform outdated practices that harm marginalized communities.
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