Jaywalking in NYC Will Be Legal in February

Walking across a street without using a crosswalk no longer will be punished in New York City starting in February.

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The new law enables pedestrians to cross city roads at any point but does not give them the right of way.

If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle while outside a crosswalk or while crossing against traffic signals, the pedestrian might be liable for damages or injuries to others.

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New York City Council-member Mercedes Narcisse sponsored the measure due to Blacks and Latinos receiving more than 92% of jaywalking citations.

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The new law ensures “everyone is treated fairly regardless of race of background,” Narcisse told CBS News.

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