You would think it would be common sense to look alert while crossing the road, but unfortunately, we’ve come to an age where everyone is constantly staring at their phones. So much so, in fact, that according to CNN, “The city of Honolulu just approved a law making it illegal for pedestrians to cross a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device. The law covers video games, pagers and laptops, and the ubiquitous smartphones. The law goes into effect October 25, giving police time to explain the situation to people who can’t take their eyes off that tiny screen in their hands. The ‘distracted pedestrian’ law is needed because so many people in the city — especially seniors — are hit by vehicles in crosswalks, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said at a bill-signing ceremony at one of the city’s busiest intersections.”

Fines will range from $15 to $35 for the first offense, $35 to $75 for the second, and $75 to $99 for the third. It will still be legal to talk on your phone while crossing a street, or to look at your phone on the sidewalk.

Around the country, other cities—like Stamford, CT, and Cleveland, OH—are reportedly considering similar laws. What do you think? Is the law a good idea? Should more cities have laws like it? Let us know in the comments!

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2 Comments On "It Will Soon Be Illegal to Look at Your Phone in a Crosswalk in Honolulu"
  1. WK|

    Seniors are not normally on cell phones rather, they are more vulnerable because of their “agility and cognitive reaction time”. Pedestrians have the right of way. Isn’t the main problem the driver? The police have limited resources & should concentrate on “real” crime (burglary, rape, assault, kidnapping, etc.)

  2. Janelle Marcuccilli|

    This is the best law, as far as I am concerned. Walking on Michigan Avenue, Chicago, and downtown Chicago, is an obstacle course dodging people who are looking at their phones. There are too many of them walking the street. At times I had to put my arm out to stop them from walking into me. Same thing when walking in the shopping malls.

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