What is the law regarding crossing the street on a red light as a pedestrian?
<p>What is the law regarding crossing the street on red (as a pedestrian)</p>

<p>If a car takes a red, that is a driving violation and they get a ticket...</p>

<hr>

<p>I'm asking about pedestrians, specifically in NYC it is a <em>very</em> common thing, and just about everyone does it. </p>

<p>I've seen people do it in front of cops, and nothing happened - it's the norm in NYC</p>

<p>Is it legal? is it just not enforced?</p>

<p>According to New York state law <a href="http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/vehicle-and-traffic-law/vat-sect-1111.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">VAT § 1111</a>(d)(4):</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in section eleven hundred twelve, pedestrians facing any steady red signal shall not enter the roadway.</p>
</blockquote>

<p><a href="http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/vehicle-and-traffic-law/vat-sect-1112.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">VAT § 1112</a> says they can't enter the intersection when a DON'T WALK (flashing or not) is showing, but can continue if they're already in the intersection.</p>

<p>And just to be clear about the illegality, <a href="http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/vehicle-and-traffic-law/vat-sect-1101.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">VAT § 1001</a> says:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this title with respect to particular offenses, it is a traffic infraction for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this title.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>So the answer is, it's a traffic infraction, and illegal.</p>

united-states new-york-city traffic