Jaywalking, when pedestrians cross the street outside of a crosswalk or against a traffic light, is now legal in New York City, thanks to legislation passed by the City Council in September. It officially became law in late October, when Mayor Adams declined to take action – either by signing or vetoing it – after 30 days.
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who sponsored the legislation, said the new law ends racial disparities in enforcement, noting that more than 90% of the jaywalking tickets issued last year went to Black and Latino people.
While jaywalking no longer violates the city’s administrative code, the law warns that pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk do not have the right of way and should yield to other traffic that has the right of way. It also makes clear that crossing against the light or mid-block is highly risky behavior. People may also still be liable in civil actions for accidents caused by jaywalking.
Jaywalking laws were initially pushed by the auto industry in the 1930s to keep people off streets and make more room for vehicles, according to the organization America Walks. The term dates to the early 20th century, with roots in Midwestern slang for a country bumpkin or rube, according to Merriam-Webster.
In New York City, the jaywalking law had been in place since 1958, carrying a penalty of up to $250. The non-profit organization, Legal Aid Society, which provides free legal representation to New Yorkers who cannot afford a lawyer, said police for decades have used the violation as a pretext to stop, question and frisk residents – especially those of color.
Source: NY1
