On A Cellular Phone While Driving Reading A Map.

Vehicle Code section 23123, states: “A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.” The appellate court was asked to determine whether or not using a wireless phone solely for its map application while driving violates section 23123 after a man was convicted of reading a map on his phone while driving. Noting the drive behind the legislation was the concern about the interference with the driver’s attention, the court affirmed the judgment of conviction after determining that “using a wireless phone solely for its map application function while driving violates Vehicle Code section 23123.” State of California v. Spriggs (Sup.Ct. App., Fresno, March 21, 2013) (Case No. 0002345).