California town can fine you for using your cell phone while you walk
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A southern California city last month announced a law that bans pedestrians from engaging in a phone call or viewing a mobile device while crossing the street.
The City of Montclair will enforce a first fine of $100 and up to $200 for a second offense. Repeat offenders could be fined $500 for every additional offense within the year. The city was reportedly inspired by a similar law in Honolulu.
The only exceptions are 911 calls, first responders and pedestrians with hearing aids.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“For me it’s good, because some people aren’t paying attention, they’re walking, looking at the phone—they don’t pay attention to the cars,” Genevieve Lopez, a resident who lives near a middle school there, said.
The law will start being enforced in August and pedestrians will first receive a warning, The Los Angeles Times reported.