New Jersey legislator proposes fine for texting and walking

KGO logo
Monday, March 28, 2016
Two women text and walk down the street in this undated photo.
Two women text and walk down the street in this undated photo.
kgo-KGO-TV

In California, it's against the law to text and drive. Some legislators are trying to do the same thing with texting and walking.

A New Jersey legislator is the latest to propose a bill that would fine "texter-walkers" $50 and for repeat offenders, 15 days in jail.

She says people distracted by their smartphones and crossing the road are as much a danger to motorists as jaywalkers and should be held to the same penalty.

A 2010 report showed two million injuries to "texter-walkers."

Several states have tried and failed to enact the same laws. Hawaii wants to impose a $250 fine.