In 3 months, UTA cites 1 for distracted walking

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah Transit Authority Police have written just one ticket for distracted walking since an ordinance banning the practice took effect three months ago.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that citation came June 1 when a pedestrian wearing headphones ducked under crossing arms at a Salt Lake City TRAX station and forced a train to use its emergency brakes.

But records show the transit authority has issued many more tickets using a law banning trespassing or jaywalking on railways. More than 1,200 of those tickets were issued last year.

Fines for that violation recently went up to $300 for a first offense and $500 for additional offenses.

Distracted walking tickets are $50.

UTA last month asked state lawmakers to make distracted walking a state violation, but legislators rejected the proposal.

Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune.

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