New York City —
With over 8 million residents, constant motion, and a unique culture of hustle, it’s no surprise that some New Yorkers bend the rules — even when the police are standing just a few feet away.
From minor infractions to bold moves, some laws seem to get broken daily in plain sight, either out of habit, boldness, or the belief that no one’s watching (or caring).
Here are 7 laws people often break right in front of the NYPD — and why they often get away with it.
1. Jaywalking
Possibly the most “New York” violation of all.
In a city where waiting for a light to change can feel like an eternity, New Yorkers have mastered the art of weaving between traffic mid-block. Despite being illegal, jaywalking is so common that most officers overlook it — unless it causes a serious safety issue.
2. Smoking Marijuana in Public
Though marijuana is legal in New York for adults, public smoking is still restricted — especially near schools, parks, and certain public areas. Yet you’ll still find people lighting up in parks, on sidewalks, and outside businesses, sometimes right across from a patrol car.
3. Riding E-Scooters and Bikes on Sidewalks
While electric scooters and bikes are popular and legal on roads and bike lanes, riding them on sidewalks is prohibited. That doesn’t stop many from zooming past pedestrians — even when officers are in sight. Warnings may be issued, but actual tickets are rare unless there’s a crash or complaint.
4. Blasting Music From Cars or Speakers
Noise complaints are a top issue in NYC, yet it’s not uncommon to hear cars or portable speakers blasting music at all hours. Despite city noise ordinances, enforcement often takes a back seat unless the volume is extreme or continuous.
5. Subway Fare Evasion
Jumping turnstiles or sneaking through open emergency exits is a well-known issue. Though the MTA and NYPD have cracked down on it in recent years, fare evasion still happens in front of police presence, especially during crowded hours or in stations with limited staff.
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6. Blocking Intersections (a.k.a. “Gridlock”)
Drivers who inch into intersections only to get stuck when the light turns red — thereby blocking cross traffic — are technically breaking the law. But with NYC’s relentless traffic, “blocking the box” happens constantly, and officers rarely issue citations unless traffic gets seriously snarled.
7. Public Drinking
Open containers of alcohol in public spaces are illegal in NYC. But from bar crawlers in the East Village to beachgoers at Coney Island, people still openly drink in public, especially in warm weather. Cops may issue warnings or tickets, but in many cases, they turn a blind eye if things stay peaceful.
Why These Laws Get Overlooked
So why aren’t these rules strictly enforced? A few reasons:
Police discretion: Officers often prioritize more serious crimes and safety issues.
Overcrowding: In a city as busy as New York, some minor violations are just part of daily life.
Changing policies: Some behaviors (like marijuana use) are now viewed differently due to evolving laws and public opinion.
Still, that doesn’t mean these actions are without risk. Depending on the situation, officers can issue citations, make arrests, or escalate if things get out of hand.
The Bottom Line
In New York, pushing limits is part of the city’s DNA — but that doesn’t make it legal. Whether it’s jaywalking during rush hour or riding a scooter down a crowded sidewalk, these everyday rule-breaks happen constantly, often just feet away from law enforcement.
So next time you’re tempted to bend the rules, remember: the NYPD might be watching — even if they don’t say anything.
