Share
by David Taub
Four and a half years ago in January 2012, a fundraiser for Fresno State checked his GPS map on his cell phone while driving. A CHP officer pulled him over and issued a ticket for using a cell phone while driving. Steven Spriggs challenged the law and eventually, the state appellate court agreed with him.
The court ruled that when lawmakers passed a ban holding a cell phone while making a call or texting while driving in 2008, it did not apply to other uses. Thus, Spriggs and millions of other California drivers are legal when using other apps such as navigation tools.
Now, the state legislature updated the law to ban most uses. Governor Jerry signed AB 1785 into law this week. It now narrowly defines how a cell device can be used in cars:
(1) The handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is mounted on a vehicle’s windshield in the same manner a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) is mounted pursuant to paragraph (12) of subdivision (b) of Section 26708 or is mounted on or affixed to a vehicle’s dashboard or center console in a manner that does not hinder the driver’s view of the road.
(2) The driver’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the handheld wireless telephone or wireless communications device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.
Breaking it down, the device must be mounted on the dash or center council. And, the device may only be used with “a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.”
RELATED TOPICS:
Unlocking the Secrets to Fresno State’s Superb Baseball Season
10 hours ago
Get a 3D First Look at Merced’s High-Speed Rail Station Design
11 hours ago
California Court to Decide on Transgender Ballot Measure Wording
11 hours ago
Rare House Vote Sees Ukraine, Israel Aid Advance as Democrats Join Republicans
13 hours ago
Full Jury and 6 Alternates Seated in Trump’s Hush Money Trial
13 hours ago
Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Trump Hush Money Trial Court