AB 1238 Seeks Fairness and Prevents Potentially Escalating Police Stops for Jaywalking
California could soon walk back its jaywalking laws, if Governor Gavin Newsom signs AB 1238/The Freedom To Walk Act by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), which would legalize safe crossings for pedestrians. Jaywalking is arbitrarily enforced throughout the state, and when cited these expensive tickets are disproportionately given to people of color.
“California’s jaywalking laws are outdated and not enforced fairly across our communities. These laws do not protect pedestrians and instead burden people with unaffordable fines and subject marginalized communities to harassment by law enforcement. Unfortunately, some of these encounters with law enforcement become life threatening,” said Ting.
AB 1238/The Freedom To Walk Act promotes the fair and equitable use of roadways by: