New York, NY Public Conduct: Jaywalking (2026)
Key Facts
- Mid-block crossing
- Legal, not a violation
- Governing law
- Local Law 2024/098, eff. 2/23/2025
- Duty of care
- Still required by law
- Right of way
- Must yield to traffic that has it
Summary
New York City explicitly allows pedestrians to cross mid-block, outside marked or unmarked crosswalks, under Local Law 2024/098: crossing there isn't a violation as long as the pedestrian yields to traffic with the right of way.
Pedestrians crossing at points outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk do not have the right of way. Pedestrians may cross any roadway, other than a limited access highway, at any point, including points outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, but shall yield to other traffic that has the right of way, provided that a failure to yield shall not be a violation of this section.
Full Breakdown
Administrative Code § 19-195(b) states pedestrians may cross any roadway other than a limited-access highway at any point, including outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk, and that failing to yield to traffic with the right of way is not, by itself, a violation of the section. Local Law 2024/098 added that final 'not a violation' clause, effective February 23, 2025, ending the possibility of ticketing mid-block crossing as jaywalking. Subdivision (c) still holds pedestrians to a duty of due care for their own safety and others' when crossing outside a crosswalk or against a signal.
Violations & Fines
Crossing mid-block or outside a crosswalk is not a violation of § 19-195 by itself, but pedestrians who fail to exercise due care can still be liable for resulting injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jaywalking illegal in New York City?
When did NYC decriminalize jaywalking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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