10 Cities Where Walking While Texting Can Get Tourists Fined

Walking through unfamiliar cities often involves checking maps, messages, or reservations on a phone, yet distracted walking increasingly draws legal consequences. City governments cite pedestrian injuries, traffic conflicts, and emergency response delays. Visitors frequently assume such regulations apply only to drivers, not people on foot. Enforcement typically focuses on crosswalks, transit areas, and dense tourist zones. Fines may seem minor but can disrupt trips unexpectedly. Understanding where distracted walking laws exist helps travelers adjust habits and avoid penalties. These ten cities illustrate how pedestrian safety enforcement now extends to phone use while walking. Many travelers remain unaware until enforcement occurs.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu introduced a distracted pedestrian ordinance in 2017 after studies showed rising injuries among people crossing streets while using phones. The law prohibits viewing electronic devices while crossing roads or intersections. First violations often result in warnings, while repeat offenses carry fines. Enforcement concentrates in Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, and near transit corridors. The ordinance does not restrict phone use on sidewalks. Tourists frequently encounter signage near crosswalks. Honolulu’s policy reflects a targeted approach aimed at preventing collisions between distracted pedestrians and vehicles in heavily visited urban areas. Visitor education remains a key enforcement priority.

Montclair, California

Montclair, California adopted a distracted walking ordinance in 2018 focused specifically on street crossings. The regulation bars pedestrians from using electronic devices while crossing roadways. Violations can result in fines, particularly near high traffic intersections. City leaders introduced the measure following pedestrian safety reviews. Enforcement initially emphasized warnings before citations increased. The ordinance does not apply to sidewalks. Visitors walking between shopping centers and transit stops may encounter enforcement. Montclair remains one of the few California municipalities with formal penalties for distracted crossing behavior under local law. Public awareness campaigns continue periodically.

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Fort Lee, New Jersey enacted a distracted pedestrian law to address safety near major bridge access points. The ordinance restricts electronic device use while crossing streets. Fines apply after warnings, especially near high traffic areas. Officials cited incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles near commuter corridors. The law targets texting, calls, and screen viewing during crossings. Fort Lee’s policy reflects concerns tied to traffic density near the George Washington Bridge, where pedestrian attention is considered critical for safety. Enforcement increases during peak hours. Local authorities continue monitoring compliance while evaluating safety outcomes and adjusting enforcement strategies accordingly periodically.

Yamato, Japan

Yamato, Japan became the first city nationwide to prohibit smartphone use while walking in public spaces. Implemented in 2020, the ordinance aims to reduce collisions and injuries. While early enforcement focused on education, repeat violations may result in penalties. The ban applies to sidewalks, crossings, and plazas. City officials emphasized public order and safety. Yamato’s approach goes beyond traffic intersections, reflecting Japan’s broader emphasis on minimizing smartphone related distractions in shared public environments. Compliance remains largely voluntary but monitored. Local authorities continue monitoring compliance while evaluating safety outcomes and adjusting enforcement strategies accordingly periodically.

Singapore

Singapore enforces pedestrian safety through regulations that allow fines when phone use creates danger near roads. While no blanket texting ban exists, distracted walking that interferes with traffic can trigger penalties. Enforcement focuses on crossings, transit hubs, and busy streets. Singapore’s dense urban layout influenced stricter oversight. Visitors should remain attentive near intersections, where phone distraction can lead to citations under existing enforcement frameworks. Signage reinforces these expectations throughout the city. Local authorities continue monitoring compliance while evaluating safety outcomes and adjusting enforcement strategies accordingly periodically.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei applies traffic regulations that permit fines for pedestrians distracted by phones when crossing streets unsafely. Police may issue citations if electronic device use contributes to violations. Enforcement targets busy intersections with heavy scooter and vehicle traffic. Tourists unfamiliar with local traffic patterns face increased risk. While phone use is not banned outright, distracted behavior leading to unsafe movement can result in penalties. Awareness remains essential when navigating Taipei’s crowded roadways. Education campaigns accompany enforcement actions. Local authorities continue monitoring compliance while evaluating safety outcomes and adjusting enforcement strategies accordingly periodically.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul addresses distracted walking through enforcement against unsafe pedestrian conduct. While texting itself is not prohibited citywide, fines may apply if phone use causes traffic violations. Tourists may receive warnings or citations near major crossings. Public campaigns discourage smartphone use while walking. Seoul’s approach blends education with penalties when necessary. Visitors should remain attentive near transit hubs and commercial areas where heavy pedestrian and vehicle flows intersect throughout the city. Seasonal enforcement increases during festivals. Local authorities continue monitoring compliance while evaluating safety outcomes and adjusting enforcement strategies accordingly periodically.

Paris, France

Paris enforces pedestrian safety rules allowing fines when distracted walking disrupts traffic flow. Texting itself is not banned, but unsafe crossing behavior linked to phone use may result in penalties. Tourists navigating unfamiliar streets often encounter strict enforcement. Authorities emphasize shared responsibility among road users. Paris relies on broader traffic laws rather than phone specific bans. Remaining attentive near crossings helps visitors avoid fines and reduce safety risks in crowded urban environments. Tourist districts receive heightened monitoring. Local authorities continue monitoring compliance while evaluating safety outcomes and adjusting enforcement strategies accordingly periodically.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney applies road rules that allow fines for pedestrians using phones unsafely while crossing streets. Enforcement targets behavior that creates danger. Police issue penalties when distraction contributes to violations. Tourists unfamiliar with left side traffic face additional challenges. Public safety campaigns emphasize pedestrian awareness. While texting is not banned everywhere, unsafe phone use may lead to fines. Remaining attentive near intersections helps visitors navigate Sydney safely and avoid unexpected penalties. Signage highlights enforcement zones clearly. Local authorities continue monitoring compliance while evaluating safety outcomes and adjusting enforcement strategies accordingly periodically.

London, England

London enforces pedestrian regulations allowing fines when phone distraction leads to unsafe crossing behavior. Texting alone is not illegal, but creating hazards can trigger penalties. Tourists navigating crowded streets often receive warnings. Authorities rely on existing road safety laws. London emphasizes awareness rather than outright bans. Visitors should remain cautious near crossings, where distractions increase risk. The city’s approach reflects shared responsibility principles in one of Europe’s busiest pedestrian environments. Enforcement remains situational and visible. Local authorities continue monitoring compliance while evaluating safety outcomes and adjusting enforcement strategies accordingly periodically.