Santa Fe Eyes Tougher Penalty for Jaywalking

Santa Fe, N.M., officials are considering a big increase in the city’s current penalty for jaywalking after backing off from an even stiffer penalty.

The City Council’s public safety committee is endorsing a traffic code amendment that would increase the fine to up to $150 from $25 currently.

That’s below the $300 penalty that Councilor Ron Trujillo proposed, along with up to 90 days in jail and a mandatory court appearance.

Finance committee members balked at Trujillo’s proposal, and The New Mexican reports that public safety committee also felt it would be too much.

Municipal Judge Ann Yalman says increasing the fine amount would increase public awareness of the severity of the offense and prompt more offenders to appear in court.