Pedestrians in New York are allowed to avoid traffic lights and crosswalks

In New York, pedestrians are no longer prohibited from running a red light or crossing an outdoor intersection. A law specifically allowing both actions went into effect this weekend.

“Be honest, every New Yorker does this,” the AP news agency notes from the person who submitted the plan, a member of the city council. “There should be no laws that punish normal behavior. ” According to the council member, more than 90 percent of the fines for this, of $250, are given to blacks and Latinos.

A month ago, the law passed the New York City Council. The Mayor then had 30 days to sign the law or veto it. But he did nothing, and in New York that means the law will automatically come into effect after that time.

As a pedestrian in New York, you can now cross a street at any time. No need to pay attention to traffic lights or other traffic signals anymore.

The new law warns that pedestrians do not have priority outside a zebra crossing. As a pedestrian, you are also liable if you cause an accident in that case. A spokesperson for the mayor said they “continue to encourage pedestrians to take advantage of the safety devices in place.”