New York City plans to legalize jaywalking next month, officially removing the $250 fine previously imposed. This comes after a unanimous City Council vote aimed at addressing racial disparities in enforcement. Despite low enforcement, officials, including the DOT, express concerns about safety, highlighting that 200 pedestrian fatalities in the last five years resulted from jaywalking. The change, however, indicates a shift towards more leniency in pedestrian laws, reflecting the city's ongoing conversation about traffic safety and law enforcement practices.
"Although jaywalking is a common practice in New York City, it can have deadly consequences," Forione said. "Over the last five years, 200 people lost their lives while crossing the street mid-block or against the signal, making up about 34 percent of all pedestrian fatalities."
The City Council passed legislation, in a veto-proof 40-8 vote last September, to legalize or decriminalize jaywalking, saying minorities were disproportionately slapped with summonses.
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