What Road Trippers Need To Know About Checking Phone Maps While Driving In California

While nearly every state in the U.S. has a ban on texting and driving, over 30 states have taken an extra precaution when it comes to cellphone usage while driving. Some states have implemented hands-free driving, which prohibits actions like talking on the phone, using a phone camera, and even using your GPS app while driving. While it may seem strict, these bans are being implemented for a good reason. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 lives were lost in 2023 to distracted driving. This staggering number has led several states across the country to enact their very own hands-free driving laws.

California is among the many states to ban the use of a cell phone while driving, including phone map usage. Even picking up your phone to adjust your GPS can result in a ticket. Drivers may be left wondering: How are you supposed to operate the GPS if you can't use it during your drive? Here is everything you need to know about the safe use of digital maps while in your car.

There's no need to stress about having to ditch your phone's GPS. There are exceptions that make it possible to use your phone's map system, or any of its other navigation tools or apps for planning road trips, while driving in California. For instance, if your phone is mounted to the windshield or dashboard, you can use a single swipe or tap to operate the phone. This does not mean you can use a phone mount to text and drive, as this exceeds a single click on your phone. As long as you are not obstructing your view of the road or looking away for an extended period of time, controlled usage of phone mounts is fair game. Car phone mounts can usually be bought for under $20, and cost way less than a ticket for distracted driving.

Hands-free features are also still allowed. Using speech-to-text, Bluetooth phone communication, and voice commands are all legal ways to utilize your phone while driving. Having a passenger in the car can also help mitigate any need to use your phone. If you want to send a text to someone or select a new song, simply hand your phone over to the passenger and ask them to adjust accordingly. Taking these simple measures will help both you and your passengers feel safer on a road trip.

Being distracted is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make while driving. Texting or using your phone just so happens to be the biggest distraction for drivers today. Using your phone while driving can severely increase your chances of getting into an accident; according to the NHTSA, "Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed." When you are distracted while driving, you put yourself and your passengers in danger of injury or even death.

No matter what state you are driving through, it is important to be a safe and mindful driver, even if there aren't strict phone usage laws in your area. If you need to use a GPS app on your phone, make sure you start the route before getting on the road. Your phone should be mounted on your dashboard or have voice alerts enabled to make sure you don't have to pick up your phone while traveling. If you are going on a family road trip, let the person in the passenger seat be in charge of the GPS or music selection. Any effort to keep your eyes on the road will increase your chances of safely arriving at your destination.