Calif. Court Bans Smart Phone Maps While Driving

Not an exception from current law banning cell use behind the wheel

Using Google maps to get around in your car might not be a viable option for Californians, or, at least, not a legal one.

A California court ruled that using mapping applications while driving is illegal under the law banning the use of wireless, cellular phones while operating a vehicle, according to Digital Trends.

Steven Spriggs launched the case against the state of California, challenging a citation for violating 23123 of the California Vehicle Code during a traffic stop in January 2012. Section 23123 addresses voice calling and typing out text messages while driving, but does not directly address the use of maps.