Does California Law Prohibit Using a GPS While Driving? (2024)

FAQs

Does California Law Prohibit Using a GPS While Driving? ›

Voice-Operated, Hands-Free Systems

The state enacted its first cell phone law in 2008, prohibiting all drivers from making hands-on calls while driving. Drivers with installed technology for making voice calls may use hands-free technology to make phone calls while driving in California as long as they are over 18.

Is Eating While Driving Illegal? You may have noticed that the distracted driving law does not expressly prohibit eating while driving. While you can eat while driving, you still might get in trouble for this form of distracted driving or cause an accident.

California GPS Tracking Law: Bottom Line

That said, it's against the law to use GPS tracking devices to track the movement and location of employees without their consent. Failure to comply can attract hefty fines and penalties.

The irony is that although a GPS is designed to be used in a car, using it while driving can be a dangerous distraction. Whether it's your car's built-in navigation system or the GPS on your smartphone, it's important to use it safely so that it doesn't become another behind-the-wheel distraction.

Texting bans prohibit drivers from typing or sending text messages while driving but allow talking on a hand-held mobile device. Many of these bans provide for various exemptions, including for emergencies, law enforcement and first responders.

All Cellphone Use: No state bans all cellphone use for all drivers, but 36 states and D.C. ban all cellphone use by novice drivers, and 25 states and D.C. prohibit it for school bus drivers.

Legal Status of Drowsy Driving

If a drowsy driver is observed driving dangerously, he or she can be charged with reckless driving in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23103 VC. This is a misdemeanor level offense and those convicted can be sentenced to serve up to 90 days in jail.

Driving without a shirt is not illegal, but it would be illegal for a woman to drive while exposing her breasts in view of others. Realistically, this is the only form of nudity behind the wheel likely to draw much attention from other drivers, let alone law enforcement.

For the first offense you will be fined $100, for the second offense you will be fined $200, and for every time you are caught unlawfully riding in the back of a truck after your second offense you will be fined $250.

Can you use your phone for GPS in California? ›

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.

The legality of using a GPS tracker on another person's vehicle without their permission is clear—it is illegal in all 50 states. Not only does this act violate legal standards, but it also exposes the individual to potential civil lawsuits for privacy infringements.

The police can install and set up the tracking device without your knowledge and only must notify you that you were tracked by a GPS device within 10 days after the tracking period ends. In addition, the police can track you for longer than 30 days if they show good cause for an extension of the initial 30-day period.

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.

Every day, drivers like you face distractions from all areas, including smartphones (such as texting while driving), eating, what's going outside the window, pets, and more. Understanding exactly how these distractions can cause you to get into a dangerous situation can help you avoid falling prey to them.

You can see the driver looking at their phone or taking too long to respond to the changing light. These are common signs that the driver in front or next to you is using a cell phone. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in California. Most Californians are aware doing so is illegal.

Make and finish your cell phone calls or texts before you start your vehicle and drive. If your phone rings while you are driving, let your voice mail pick up the call and ignore text messages. If you must respond, pull over to a safe location and park before using your cell phone.

4. Does a cell phone ticket go on my driving record in California? A violation of either VC 23123 or VC 23123.5 will not result in points assessed on your DMV driving record.

The base fine is $20 for a first offense and $50 for a second or subsequent offense – but penalty assessments and fees significantly increase the cost of a ticket. A texting while driving ticket in California is at least $162 for a first citation and at least $285 for a second offense.