California Court Says Holding Phone For Maps While Driving is Illegal

California law prohibits 'operating' a mobile phone while driving. And that makes it illegal for a driver to hold a cellphone in order to look at a map, a state appeals court ruled this week. From a report: In a 2016 law intended to strengthen previous restrictions, 'the Legislature intended to prohibit all handheld functions of wireless telephones while driving' and 'to encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road,' said the 6th District Court of Appeal.

A Superior Court panel had reversed a driver's conviction for a traffic infraction and $158 fine in San Jose, ruling that the law prohibited only 'actively using or manipulating' a hand-held phone for actions such as talking or listening, browsing the internet or playing video games while driving. The appeals court reinstated the conviction and the fine, in a ruling that could set a statewide standard unless it is narrowed or overturned on appeal.

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