New York City legalizes pedestrian jaywalking and signal violations

In New York City, it has become legal for pedestrians to jaywalk on the road or cross the road on a red light.

The AP reported that the bill took effect 30 days after it was passed by the New York City Council last month.

Lawmakers who introduced the bill said more than 90% of jaywalkers were Black and Latino and argued that racist law applications should be ended.

Under the new law, pedestrians can cross the street anytime, anywhere, including where there is no crosswalk, and traffic violations are not illegal.

However, it stipulated that pedestrians crossing the street do not have priority to travel, but that they should yield to other vehicles with priority.Mayor Eric Adams of New York

did not sign or veto the new legislation.New York City spokesman Niz Garcia
said jaywalking is a very dangerous practice and could still be held civilly liable if it causes a car accident.

Earlier, Denver, Kansas City, Missouri, California, Nevada, and Virginia also abolished penalties for jaywalking, the AP added.