California extends hands-free driving law to include GPS apps (2024)

FAQs

California extends hands-free driving law to include GPS apps? ›

A California court has extended the ban on using cell phones while driving. It's not just texting and talking that are off limits, now you're barred from using your GPS apps, too. You might finally get to own your cell phone, but there are still plenty of rules about how you can use it.

California's distracted driving law now prohibits driving while "holding or operating" a wireless communication device. But voice-operated, hands-free devices are exempt from the law. So, if you can operate your GPS without using your hands, you shouldn't have a problem.

California has primary laws prohibiting ALL drivers from texting, or using a handheld cell phone while driving unless The law only allows a driver to use a cell phone to make emergency calls to law enforcement, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agencies.

Is it safe to use my phone navigation while driving? Although it is legal, hands-free navigation is not without safety concerns. Looking away from the road to view your phone screen can be a dangerous distraction, even if you only take your eyes off the road for a second.

With limited exceptions, you cannot talk on a cell phone, or text, when driving in California. The fine for a violation of either of these sections can range from $20.00 to $50.00, plus court costs and assessments. You cannot ignore cell phone or handheld device tickets.

A California court has extended the ban on using cell phones while driving. It's not just texting and talking that are off limits, now you're barred from using your GPS apps, too. You might finally get to own your cell phone, but there are still plenty of rules about how you can use it.

You must not drive with a digital screen on if you can see it, or it could distract another driver, unless you're using it as a driver's aid. In this case, it must be in a holder fixed to the vehicle or built into the vehicle. Driver's aids include: navigation devices, for example, GPS.

Some states, like Florida and Texas, allow texting at a red light. Others, like California and Chicago, ban all use of a mobile device while behind the wheel, including at a red light. In New York, drivers of passenger vehicles are allowed to text at a red light but drivers of commercial vehicles are not.

It is illegal to have a headset on while driving or biking, according to California Vehicle Code 27400. “A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, earplugs in or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in both ears,” the code states.

What is Kaitlyn's Law? Since 2001, it has been illegal in California to leave a child age 6 or younger inside a motor vehicle without the supervision of someone at least 12 years old. The law is named for 6-month-old Kaitlyn Russell, who died from heat related causes after being left alone in a car.

Can I have my phone in my hand while driving? ›

Hand-held cellphone use ban: 27 states, D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cellphones while driving. Ohio prohibits hand-held cell phone or electronic device use while driving.

While a GPS is intended to be used in a car, using one while driving can be a dangerous distraction. If your vehicle has speech recognition technology, using voice commands to operate a GPS can reduce the risk but doesn't eliminate it.

In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it. Any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason.

You can fight the ticket in 1 of 2 ways: by having a court trial or a trial by mail. A court trial is a 2-step process: you request an arraignment where the judge reads the charges against you and you enter a plea. Then you attend a trial. With a trial by written declaration, you never show up to court.

California is known for its 45% increase in car insurance premiums after a texting while driving violation. The average Californian driver pays $1,708 in annual auto insurance premiums. After a cell phone traffic ticket, their auto insurance rates increase to $2,484.

We all know that a smartphone comes with an inbuilt GPS. Leveraging the inbuilt facility of an IOS or an Android phone, an advanced GPS Tracking software provider can make it happen via mobile tracking. TrackoField, our field employee tracking software is built on mobile tracking.

Cell phone GPS technology relies on the Global Positioning System, a network of satellites that transmit signals to GPS receivers. By measuring the distance between the receiver and multiple satellites, the cell phone can calculate its precise position using the principles of triangulation and trilateration.

Generally, California Penal Code section 637.7 prohibits individuals from using electronic tracking devices to determine the location or movement of a person. However, an important exception allows registered owners, lessors, or lessees of vehicles to use electronic tracking devices to track their own vehicles.