NYC to decriminalize jaywalking next month

New York City will soon make jaywalking legal after a new rule is approved. This change comes after the City Council voted strongly in favor of decriminalizing jaywalking last September. Under the new law, it will be permissible to cross streets outside of crosswalks or against traffic signals. Despite the rule change, police data shows that jaywalking laws were rarely enforced. In 2023, only 780 tickets were issued for jaywalking, which averages to about two per day. Officials mentioned that minorities were often the ones receiving these tickets, leading to the decision to change the law. The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated that summons for jaywalking were usually given in busy areas with many pedestrian accidents. Mayor Eric Adams did not sign or veto the bill, allowing it to become law. The Department of Transportation plans to finalize the new rules after a hearing scheduled for April 17. These rules will clarify that pedestrians are not violating traffic laws by crossing mid-block. However, some officials expressed concern about the dangers of jaywalking. Statistics show that in the past five years, 200 people died while crossing the street illegally. City Hall emphasized the need for pedestrians to follow traffic rules for safety. Even with the decriminalization, pedestrians can still be sued for accidents caused by jaywalking. The NYPD will continue to prioritize pedestrian safety and work with the Department of Transportation to prevent collisions, especially those leading to injuries or fatalities.