New York legalizes jaywalking

Jaundicing is a common practice in New York City. But it was legally illegal. Until recently, reports AP.

Crossing the street outside a crosswalk or at a red light is now legal in New York City.

The law, passed by the city council last month, officially went into effect over the weekend.

Justice for all

Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse, a Brooklyn Democrat, sponsored the bill. She said Oct. 29 that the new law would end racial disparities in law enforcement.

More than 90 percent of jaywalking tickets issued last year went to blacks and Hispanics, who each paid about $250.

On the subject: New York is recognized as the worst city in the world for drivers: people spend 100 hours a year in traffic jams

“Let’s be real, every New Yorker jaywalks. People are just trying to get where they need to go,” she said. “Laws that punish ordinary behavior shouldn’t exist, especially when they unfairly impact communities of color.”

The new law allows pedestrians to cross the roadway at any point, including outside of a crosswalk. It allows crossing the road when the traffic light is red. This is no longer a violation of the city's administrative code.

The law does not exempt from liability

At the same time, the new law warns that pedestrians crossing the road outside the designated place do not have the right of way and must give way to other vehicles that have this right.

Liz Garcia, a spokeswoman for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, said the bill makes clear that jaywalking and jaywalking are extremely risky behavior. People could be held liable in civil lawsuits for accidents caused by jaywalking.

Other cities and states—from Denver and Kansas City, Missouri, to California, Nevada and Virginia—have decriminalized jaywalking in recent years.

According to America Walks, these laws were introduced automotive industry in the 1930s as a way to keep people out of the roadway and make more room for vehicles.

The term "crossing the road in the wrong place" appeared at the beginning of the 20th century.

In New York, where there are constant events incidents between pedestrians and drivers, the law on failure to comply with the rules of crossing the roadway has been in force since 1958 and provides for a fine of up to $250.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Legal Aid Society called the law long overdue. The nonprofit provides free legal assistance to New Yorkers who cannot afford an attorney. The group said police have used the violation as a pretext for stopping, questioning, and searching residents, especially people of color, for decades.

The police said their time could be spent doing other work rather than issuing fines for jaywalking.