Bill for increased jaywalking fines considered in Massachusetts

Jaywalking in Massachusetts could soon get more expensive, especially if you are using a mobile device or headphones while doing so.

The bill originated by Dracut Democrat Rep. Colleen Garry is being taken up by the Joint Committee on Transportation.

You would be fined $25 for jaywalking on the first offense, $50 on the second, and $100 on the third and subsequent offenses. The fines would double if the person is using a cell phone or wearing headphones.

Here is the wording of the bill.

Section 1. Chapter 89 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

“ Section 13. In any city or town which votes to accept the provisions of this section, when an official traffic control device is present, no pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by said official traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing movements. Pedestrians shall not walk against a signal light and cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation.

Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined $25 for a first offense; $50 for second offense and $100 for a third or subsequent offense.

If the violation occurs while the person is using a mobile electronic device and/or wearing earbuds, headphones, or like devices, the penalties shall be increased to $50 for a first offense ; $100 for second offense and $200 for a third or subsequent offenses.”

Section 2. Section 18A of chapter 90 of the General Laws, is hereby amended by striking the last sentence of the first paragraph and inserting in its place the following:-

“Whoever violates any provision of any such rule shall be punished by a fine of twenty –five dollars for the first; $50 for the second; or $100 for a third or subsequent offense committed by such person within the jurisdiction of the district court in the particular calendar year.

If the violation occurs while the person is using a mobile electronic device and/or wearing earbuds, headphones, or like devices, the penalties shall be increased to $50 for a first offense ; $100 for second offense and $200 for a third or subsequent offenses.”