Were New Yorkers in Viral Video Breaking the Law?

A couple has gone viral after a video of their "unique" date next to an Upstate New York highway took the internet by storm.

The couple, who set up a cozy lunch date in the middle of a highway median, reportedly caused traffic backups as they sat, ate, and snapped photos while vehicles rolled by.

Viral Video of Couple Picnicking on Upstate New York Highway Median

While the video is certainly entertaining (a special shoutout should be given to the choice of music that accompanied the clip on Instagram, below), it also leads to a pretty simple question: are they actually allowed to do that?

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"Cute" Highway Median Date Flirts with Disaster

The date, while romantic in a "scene-from-a-rom-com" kind of way, is certainly flirting with disaster. This summer alone, the New York State Department of Transportation has shared multiple reminders of the dangers faced thanks to distracted drivers (below).

Is it Legal to Have a Picnic on a New York Highway Median?

While the cozy couple seems to have had their fun without getting smooshed by someone on their cellphone, the list of reasons why picnicking on a highway median is a bad idea is long (and obvious). But what does New York State law say?

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What New York Law Says About Highway Medians

According to New York State law, "driving a vehicle on or across, or parking, standing or stopping a vehicle on the median strip is prohibited". This also extends to pedestrians:

No person, unless otherwise directed by a police officer shall: occupy any space within the limits of a state expressway highway or state interstate route highway including the entrance ramps and exit ramps

While some kind commenters hoped that the couple might have simply been waiting for AAA in style, the pair's TV tray, sturdy chairs, and what looks like a full-course meal points to a different answer. Currently, however, there has been no news of the lovebirds facing fines or any other legal repercussions.