SANTA MONICA_”The Santa Monica Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Section has been focusing on various driving behaviors each month to prevent traffic collisions. The month of March sees the SMPD Traffic Enforcement Section focusing on the traffic violations involving pedestrians. According to a press release from the SMPD, pedestrian violations on the road can lead to car collisions. Such violations include:

 

  • Jaywalking
  • Walking against a red light or “Don’t Walk” symbol
  • Failure to yield right-of-way to oncoming traffic
  • Pedestrian in the roadway

 

Canyon News spoke with Sgt. Jay Moroso of the SMPD regarding the crackdown on pedestrians via email.

 

“The Santa Monica Police Department (along with all other state and local law enforcement agencies) enforce the laws or “rules” of the State of California as found in the California Vehicle Code.  Violators can receive citations for the violations, much like a one that would be issued to someone driving a motor vehicle.  The violations are infractions so there is no jail time associated with the issuance of a citation.  You are released on the citation when you sign at the bottom of the citation with a promise to appear in court.  If you refuse to sign the citation, you can be taken to jail until you are sent to court to see a judge.  You can also be taken to jail if the officer issuing the citation cannot verify your identity when they are issuing the citation.  That is why although it is not a requirement that one carry identification with them as a pedestrian, doing so facilitates the issuance of a citation when the officer knows who he is issuing a citation to.  The fines for some pedestrian violations can be as high as $213, so they are not to be taken lightly,” said Sgt. Moroso.

 

He indicated that there will not be an increase in officers on the streets, but their will be an increase in the focus and awareness by officers on the beat to enforce pedestrian violators.

 

Lt. Trisler wants to ensure that all pedestrians arrive at their location safely by following the guidelines of the road. Those who have questions about the enforcement effort can contact Sergeant Phillbo Rubish at 310-458-8950, or Lt. Trisler at 310-458-8471.