New York City decriminalized jaywalking in 2025, eliminating fines up to $250 after minimal prior enforcement (only 780 summonses in 2023). Littering remains prohibited under NYC Admin Code § 16-118, with fines starting at $50–$250 for first offenses, escalating to $350–$450 for repeats within 12 months. Many everyday actions like sidewalk biking or not curbing dogs technically violate rules, though enforcement varies.​​
Jaywalking Changes
Pedestrians now cross freely if yielding to traffic right-of-way, per DOT rules effective post-April 2025 hearing, addressing disproportionate ticketing in minority areas. Previously illegal since 1958, it posed risks with 200 pedestrian deaths in five years from unsafe crossings.​​
Littering Penalties
First-time individual litterers face $75 fines, rising to $300–$400 for repeats; businesses pay higher for sidewalk obstructions. Statewide, penalties apply under laws like RRD § 52-E for roadside dumping.​
Common Unnoticed Violations
- Unnecessary car horn honking is illegal.​
- Riding bikes on sidewalks breaches traffic codes.​
- Failing to scoop dog waste violates sanitation rules.​
- Quirks like no ice cream cones in pockets on Sundays persist as oddities.
SOURCES
[1](https://nypost.com/2025/03/23/us-news/new-york-city-drafts-rule-to-legalize-jaywalking-on-streets/)
[2](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-26068)
[3](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/jaywalking-legalized-new-york-city)
[4](https://mccreadylaw.com/blog/breaking-law-every-day/)
[5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X8sAL-6GgQ)
