A new proposal that would significantly reduce jaywalking citations across Minnesota is running into some opposition from police groups.
The new bill would only allow police to cite an individual for jaywalking if the movement creates a traffic hazard, like forcing a vehicle to unexpectedly hit the brakes. Essentially, pedestrians would be legally allowed to cross streets however they please so long as they do it safely and don’t impede traffic.
This commonsense adjustment seems like it would have plenty of support, but some law enforcement groups believe the change will lead to more pedestrian-vehicle accidents.
“We think it will increase the number of people crossing in dangerous situations in uncontrolled portions of the roadway, instead of at the light where there’s a crosswalk,” said Jeff Potts, executive director of the Minnesota Police Chiefs Association.
However, other states like California, Nevada and Virginia have already adopted similar measures, and there isn’t any data to back up Potts’ claims.
“They have not seen any major spikes in safety incidences when it comes to jaywalking,” said Rep. Katie Jones, (DFL-Minneapolis).
Will It Pass?
The bills that would alter how jaywalking is policed are moving forward in both the House and the Senate, but the House bill lost all of its Republican authors when the police chief’s association opposed the change. The House and Senate both have a Democratic majority in Minnesota, so there’s still a good chance that the changes will be passed. If that’s the case, the jaywalking changes would officially go into effect on August 1, 2025.
We’ll keep tabs on the measures as they make their way through the House and the Senate, but for now, continue crossing at crosswalks and know that you can be cited for jaywalking even if there are no cars around you at the time. It’s unlikely you’ll be ticketed, as only about 450 jaywalking tickets have been issued over the last five years, but know that it’s still possible unless these changes are passed.
If you need help contesting a jaywalking citation or a more serious criminal matter like a drug charge of driving infraction, we hope you’ll reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
