The city of Phoenix is increasing the penalties for jaywalking.
City council voted 7-1 on Wednesday for a change to city code that removes the requirement for police to issue a warning for a person’s first offense of illegally crossing or standing in the roadway. Instead, a first offense will result in a traffic citation similar to a speeding ticket and a second offense will result in a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Councilmember Anna Hernandez was the lone vote against the change. Laura Pastor did not vote, having walked away from the dais during the nine-hour-long council meeting.
