New York City Allows Jaywalking from April: Transportation Department Warns Legal Doesn’t Mean Safe.

In New York City, there is a common phenomenon where people only realize something was “illegal” once it becomes legalized. This behavior refers to jaywalking, which was rarely enforced by police when it was illegal. Last September, the City Council passed a proposal to legalize jaywalking with a majority vote, allowing crossing the street outside crosswalks or against traffic signals to be considered “legal”. This law is set to take effect on April 7 this year.

According to police data, during the period when jaywalking was considered “illegal” and violators faced a fine of $250, law enforcement efforts were minimal. In the bustling city of New York, only a few tickets were issued daily, leading to the common sight of jaywalkers and pedestrians crossing against red lights on the streets.

The new regulation by the Department of Transportation permits pedestrians to legally cross the street anywhere, whether marked or unmarked crosswalks, and even allows crossing against traffic signals. This legalization of what is typically known as “jaywalking” specifies that crossing against red lights or crossing the street outside designated areas will not violate administrative regulations, thus pedestrians will no longer be subject to ticketing. The legislation also mandates educational activities by the Department of Transportation regarding the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians, drivers of motor vehicles, bicycles, and other modes of transportation on city roads.

However, the Department of Transportation opposed this proposal, with their representative stating at a hearing, “In the past five years, 200 people have died while crossing mid-block or against traffic signals, accounting for 34% of all pedestrian fatalities.”

Therefore, despite jaywalking no longer being legally penalized, authorities still advise citizens to prioritize their safety and refrain from jaywalking. Pedestrians may still be held liable for accidents caused by crossing the street.