It’s technically considered jaywalking to try and make it across an intersection while the countdown signal is going. That is why L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar assisted Assemblyman Miguel Santiago of Boyle Heights draft legislation to stop that.
“Our state statute is antiquated and it needs to meet the policy and technologically goals that we have now as a city,” said Rick Coca, the councilman’s spokesman.
The councilman had been receiving complaints after police began targeting so-called jaywalkers who used the crosswalk after the countdown started. Over the past four years, over 17,000 people have been ticketed in the L.A. area alone for using a crosswalk during the countdown.
Assemblyman Santiago authored AB 390 as a response, calling the current law abusive.
“When there is a countdown, you are currently eligible for a ticket when you enter the sidewalk. So, I want to prevent, if at all possible, anyone from getting an unnecessary ticket and we’re hoping this law is enacted,” said Santiago.
The bill, AB 390, has passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support.
—
James Rojas
Field Reporter
TalkRadio 790 KABC