Local Law 38 of 2024 amended NYC Admin Code §19-176 to decriminalize jaywalking, allowing pedestrians to cross mid-block or against signals if they yield to traffic. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1152 still applies but the city no longer issues summonses.
Before 2024, NYPD could issue jaywalking tickets under VTL §1152(a) carrying $250 fines. After community criticism over racially disparate enforcement, the City Council passed Local Law 38 of 2024 (effective late 2024) that bars NYPD from issuing summonses for crossing mid-block or against the light, provided the pedestrian yields to vehicles. The state VTL technically remains on the books but cannot be enforced inside city limits. The new rule does not authorize stepping into traffic; pedestrians who cause crashes still face civil liability and possible reckless-endangerment charges under Penal Law §120.20.
Jaywalking citations are no longer issued by NYPD inside the five boroughs; pedestrians who step into traffic and cause collisions remain civilly liable for damages and may face reckless-endangerment charges under Penal Law §120.20 in serious cases.
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