After 66 Years, New York Has ‘Decriminalized’ This Law

A law that many New Yorkers have been guilty of breaking will soon be removed from the "books".

Back in 1958, lawmakers in New York signed a bill into law that made it illegal in New York City for any pedestrian to cross the street outside of a crosswalk. If caught doing it, they would be slapped with a hefty fine.

To Cross or Not to Cross

We've all been there at one time or another. You're walking along a city street and you want to cross to the other side. Instead of waiting until you get to cross, you sneak out, look both ways and cross. No harm, no foul, right? Well, sort of...LOL! For the last 66 years, jaywalking in parts of New York has been illegal, and if a police officer witnesses you do it, they could issue you a ticket that could result in a $250 fine.

Jaywalking in New York

What is jaywalking? Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian decides to cross the street outside a designated crosswalk to get to the other side. Yes, it has been illegal for many years but it was scarcely enforced, and when it was many claimed there was an "unacceptable disparity" regarding who revived the tickets. NY Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse, who sponsored the legislation told CBS,

"In 2023, over 92% of jaywalking citations went to Black and Latino New Yorkers, highlighting an unacceptable disparity. The bill changes that by removing criminal penalties, ensuring everyone is treated fairly, regardless of race or background."

 

Jaywalking Decriminalized in New York

The City Council cited the number above when they introduced a bill back in February that would allow pedestrians to cross the street at any area they choose, not just at a crosswalk, and with any signal. The bill was approved and sent to NYC Mayor Eric Adams on September 26th for either approval or veto. Adams failed to do either within 30 days which resulted in the bill automatically becoming law.

SEE ALSO: Upstate New York School Zone Cameras Issue Nearly 13,000 Tickets

So starting in February 2025, New Yorkers will no longer be breaking the law when crossing the street in between traffic in New York City. The new bill did clarify that pedestrians do NOT have the right of way in such circumstances and are encouraged to use caution when crossing.