JAYWALKING NOW LEGAL IN NY

Although New Yorkers have been doing it for decades, jaywalking is now officially legal in New York when the bill comes into effect in February 2025. This comes after the city’s Mayor Eric Adams didn’t sign or veto the bill within the allocated 30-day window period. This means that locals can now cross the street at any time without having to adhere to traffic signals.

Many locals were probably not even aware that since 1958, jaywalking carried a fine of up to $250.

The newfound freedom doesn’t come without the risk though. Over the past five years, 200 people have died while crossing the street. The jaywalking took place when the pedestrians were either crossing the street in the middle of the block or against traffic signals.

This figure accounts for around 34% of all pedestrian deaths in the Big Apple.

Tourists have been warned though, to stay vigilant as they might not be as familiar with the local driving habits of New Yorkers.

In the Australian city of Sydney, jaywalking fines can carry a fine of between $75 and $220. If the fine is challenged in court and is found to be unsuccessful, the fine can rise to $2,200.

Image credit: The New York Times