A pedestrian rushes to cross at W. 96th and Broadway in NYC. AP Photo
In a significant change for New Yorkers, jaywalking—crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks or against traffic signals—has officially become legal. This new law, which was recently passed by the City Council, went into effect after Mayor Eric Adams chose not to sign or veto it within the required 30 days.
The legislation, sponsored by Council Member Mercedes Narcisse from Brooklyn, aims to eliminate the racial disparities that have long plagued the enforcement of jaywalking laws. Statistics reveal that over 90% of the jaywalking tickets issued last year targeted Black and Latino individuals. “Let’s be real, every New Yorker jaywalks. People are simply trying to get where they need to go,” Narcisse remarked in an email statement. She emphasized that laws penalizing common behaviours should not exist, especially when they disproportionately impact communities of colour.
Under the new law, pedestrians can now crossroads anywhere, not just at crosswalks. They are also allowed to cross against traffic signals, and this behaviour is no longer considered a violation of the city’s administrative code. However, the law clarifies that pedestrians do not have the right of way when crossing outside designated areas, and they must yield to any oncoming traffic that has the right of way.
Liz Garcia, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, chose not to provide details on why the mayor allowed the bill to become law without taking action. Nonetheless, she pointed out that the new legislation acknowledges the risks associated with crossing against the light or mid-block. Additionally, pedestrians may still be held liable in civil cases if accidents occur due to jaywalking.
"All road users are safer when everyone follows traffic rules," Garcia stated. She encouraged pedestrians to utilize safety features available, such as daylighting, pedestrian islands, and leading pedestrian intervals, by using crosswalks and obeying walk signals.
The jaywalking law had been in place in New York City since 1958 and carried a hefty penalty of up to $250. This change reflects the ongoing tension between pedestrians and motorists in the city. The famous 1969 film Midnight Cowboy captures this dynamic, with Dustin Hoffman’s character famously exclaiming, “I’m walking here!” while narrowly avoiding a taxi in Manhattan.
The Legal Aid Society has applauded the new law as a much-needed reform. This organization provides free legal aid to New Yorkers who cannot afford a lawyer and has long criticized the police for using jaywalking as a justification to stop and question residents, particularly people of colour. "With this legislation now codified, we hope that both the Adams Administration and the City Council will continue to abolish relic laws that serve no public safety purpose and only ensnare people in the criminal legal system," the organization stated.
Although the police department and its largest union did not immediately respond to inquiries about the new law, Narcisse mentioned that officers she has spoken with believe their time could be better utilized on more pressing matters than issuing jaywalking tickets. “No one’s ever said, ‘I’m so glad they caught that jaywalker.’ By eliminating these penalties, we allow our police officers to focus on issues that truly matter,” she concluded.
