California city makes it illegal to cross street while using phone

Residents of a Southern California city will be punished if they use their cellphones while crossing the street, according to a new ordinance.

A notice on the City of Montclair’s website states the ordinance took effect at the beginning of 2018, and says citizens are not allowed to cross the street while not only texting, but also talking on the phone and/or wearing headphones in both ears.

City Manager Edward Starr told the Los Angeles Times the penalty for violating the new rule is a warning, but come August, police will administer fines. For a first-time violation, the fine will be $100. For a second violation in 12 months, residents will have to pay $200. Any violation after that will cost $500.

Starr says he borrowed the idea from an ordinance passed last year in Hawaii.