The answer is yes if you are using a hands-free phone kit, or your car comes with Bluetooth connectivity which allows your audio system to connect to your phone directly. However, you are not allowed to hold the phone while you are driving.
Using the GPS function on a mobile phone while driving
You can use the GPS function on your mobile phone only if the phone is fixed to the vehicle in a commercially designed and manufactured cradle and you do not touch it while you are driving.Mobile phone use while driving is common but it is widely considered dangerous due to its potential for causing distracted driving and crashes. In addition to voice calling, activities such as texting while driving, web browsing, playing video games, or phone use in general can also increase the risk of a crash.
Hands-free phone use: the law
Any hands-free devices should be fully set up before you drive, so you can take calls without handling the device. The police still have the power to stop you if they believe you have been distracted by using a mobile phone while driving, even if it's fully hands-free.The first two laws prohibit all drivers from using handheld wireless phones or cellphones and drivers under 18 years old from using hands-free cellphones. A third law bans texting and other wireless device use while driving. California's restrictions on cellphone use while driving are part of a nationwide trend.
When you detect your emotions beginning to dominate your judgment and actions while driving, you should practice self-regulation.
Isn't it illegal to program a GPS while driving? It applies to built-in GPS systems, portable devices and apps like Waze and Google Maps on smartphones. You also can't be holding or touching your cellphone or any other electronic device while driving.
Open your phone's Settings app. Press Sound, then select Do Not Disturb. Press Turn on automatically. Press Add rule, then select Driving.
Drivers can use their phone while driving as long as it is sitting in a hands-free position, with many using the devices as a handy sat nav. Motorists are warned they cannot touch their device while a car is in motion and can face fines or prosecution if they are caught by police officers.
It is not an offence in itself to listen to music on a mobile device whilst driving or cycling. You need to be able to bring to bear all the senses you can whilst driving, and being able to hear is important in enabling you to be in proper control of your vehicle in traffic.
You are not allowed to use a mobile phone OR tablet while behind the wheel. Even if you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic – it's still illegal. The ONLY time you are allowed to use your mobile phone while in the car is when your car is parked up and your engine is off.
If your phone is secured in a cradle, you can only touch your phone: To make or receive a phone call; For audio playing functions; or. For using a driver's aid (such as navigation).
Unlike speed and red light cameras, the mobile phone detection cameras uses artificial intelligence (AI) to determine whether a driver is distracted by a mobile device. It can operate in all weather conditions including fog and wet weather.
No, it's not illegal to eat while driving. However, if you get distracted while snacking behind the wheel, the police could prosecute you for careless driving if they consider you to not be in proper control of the vehicle, an offence which carries an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points.
For example, wearing a Smartwatch while driving is also considered illegal if drivers are using it inappropriately. Smartwatches can be used to pay for items, receive messages, play music and make calls among several other capabilities.
Drivers can use a mobile phone to make a call while driving only if it is an emergency situation and unsafe or impracticable to stop the vehicle to make the call.
The new law means no P-Plater can talk on their phone even if it is connected to a Bluetooth handsfree systems. It is also now illegal for them to even use their mobile device for GPS or to play any kind of audio.
Reminder: NSW's GPS Phone Ban For P-Platers Starts Next Week. From December 1, it will be against the law for provisional licence holders in NSW to use their phones in any way while driving. This includes using voice-activated GPS apps while the phone is secured to a hands-free cradle.
In the ACT, passengers are legally permitted to use their phones while another person is driving. However, there are penalties for drivers driving "with a distracting TV or video display unit" that could include a passenger's phone. This infringement attracts a fine of $245.
Learner and P-Plater drivers in NSW can no longer use a phone in any way while driving. This means no navigation, no playing music, no using a safe phone cradle, no nothing. Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding.
Even a few points on your license could increase your insurance rates, and with too many points you could lose your license. You can fight a cell phone ticket by going to court and arguing your case before a judge, or writing a letter declaring your innocence.
The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $287 fine and 3 demerit points.
While it's absolutely illegal to use your cell phone while driving in a manner that isn't hands-free, when trying to get a cell phone ticket dismissed you will need to know exactly what is or isn't considered a lawful violation.
A violation of the handheld cellphone ban currently does not count as a point on your driving record. (California uses a "point system" for moving violations. However, violations that occur on or after July 1, 2021 will result in one point if within 36 months of a prior distracted driving offense.
Cellular Phone Use and Texting While Driving Laws
| States | Hand-held ban |
|---|
| Alaska | No |
| Arizona | Yes (Drivers will receive a warning for violation until 1/1/21. Eff. 1/1/21, drivers will receive a civil penalty for violation). |
| Arkansas | Drivers ages 18 to 20 years of age; school and highway work zones |
| California | All drivers |
Texting-while-driving penalties vary
In California the base fine is $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent convictions. The violation appears on your driving record, but no points are added.A first offense is not considered a moving violation. However, subsequent offenses are considered a moving violation and will be recorded on your driving record. Handheld cellphone use while driving is banned, but you are allowed to turn a phone on or off and to make or end a call.
