Honolulu passes law that makes texting while crossing the street illegal

HONOLULU -- Pedestrians who pull out their cellphones when crossing the street better be ready to pull out their wallets as well.

A new law taking 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.

A second violation of the Honolulu ordinance will cost you as much as $75, and each subsequent violation would bring as much as a $99 fine.

The law includes fines not just for cellphone use, but for use of video games, laptop computers or digital cameras.

It does not include audio equipment, so those wearing headphones as they walk through the city need not worry.

Officials in Honolulu spent the last three months educating and warning pedestrians about the coming ban.

Other cities around the world are also working on laws to keep pedestrians off their phones while they cross the street