Jaywalking is now legal in New York City due to legislation passed by the City Council and allowed to become law by Mayor Eric Adams. Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who sponsored the legislation, argued that the law ends racial disparities in enforcement, as more than 90% of jaywalking tickets last year went to Black and Latino people. The new law permits pedestrians to cross a roadway at any point, including outside of a crosswalk, and allows crossing against traffic signals.
The new law emphasizes that pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk do not have the right of way and should yield to other traffic. An Adams spokesperson emphasized that crossing against the light and mid-block is still considered risky behavior, and individuals may still be liable in civil actions for accidents caused by jaywalking. The spokesperson encouraged pedestrians to make use of safety mechanisms such as crosswalks with walk signals to ensure safety for all road users.
The decriminalization of jaywalking in New York City follows a trend seen in other cities and states such as Denver, California, and Virginia. Mike McGinn, the executive director of America Walks, noted that cities focused on safety should prioritize street design, speeding, and ensuring the safety of pedestrians rather than focusing on jaywalking laws. The term “jaywalking” originated in the 1930s as a way for the auto industry to keep people off streets and make more room for vehicles.
The Legal Aid Society praised the new legislation, stating that police have often used the violation of jaywalking as a pretext to stop, question, and frisk residents, particularly people of color. By abolishing penalties for jaywalking, the organization hopes that the city will continue to eliminate laws that serve no public safety purpose and only contribute to ensnaring people in the criminal legal system. Council Member Narcisse has also noted that police officers have expressed that their time could be better spent on other policing efforts.
The jaywalking law in New York City has been in place since 1958 and carried a penalty of up to $250. The term “jaywalking” dates back to early 20th-century slang, originating as a term for a country bumpkin or rube. The struggle between pedestrians and motorists in New York City is ongoing, with jaywalking serving as a point of contention. The advocacy for decriminalizing jaywalking aligns with the goal of promoting safety through street design and traffic regulations rather than punitive measures against pedestrians.
