Honolulu passes law that makes texting while crossing the street illegal

Pedestrians pulling out their cell phone when crossing the street better be ready to pull out their wallets as well.

A new that took effect Wednesday in Honolulu has now made it illegal to text while you are crossing the street.

Pedestrians in Hawaii’s state capital who cross a street or highway while using a mobile electronic device can be slammed with a fine of up to $35 for their first offense, according to the law.

“While we have laws in place for our motorists and our bicyclists, now it’s a shared responsibility for pedestrians as well, to really pay attention as they cross the street,” Councilman Brandon Elefante, who introduced bill, told the Associated Press in July.