J
Jack Holt
Guest
Those who are lost in California and are tempted to look at a map on their phone can now breathe easier knowing that it’s not illegal to do so. According to a court in California, the state that has some of the strictest distracted driving laws in the U.S., using your device to look at maps does not count as apart of the law preventing drivers from talking on their phones without the use of a hands-free device. It appears that the law isn’t written clear enough to count towards looking at maps.
The case that led to this ruling involved a man by the name of Steven Spriggs, who was ticketed for looking at a map on his iPhone 4 while stopped at a red light. He was spotted by a highway patrolman who quickly pulled Spriggs over and issued him a $165 citation. Spriggs who felt that this was unjust, fought the ticket all the way up to the 5th District Court of Appeals in Fresno.
While the “listening and talking” portion of the law doesn’t dictate what to do with people looking at their phones, it will only be a matter of time before the law is amended to include holding one’s smartphone altogether. While it’s good that Sprigg was able to fight the law and win, this case shows just how new and fresh situations like these are. As the law attempts to catch up, use of maps and mobile devices, will continue to be restricted and laws will get stricter. That being said, if you use such things while driving, you should probably get your fill now.
source: TechnoBuffalo
Come comment on this article: California Court: Using maps on your phone while driving legal
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