Cell phone ?

[Andy Taylor]

I was driving this morning and my cell phone rang. It was on top of the center console. I reached over and hit the button to turn off the ringer. Afterwords I thought, "was what I just did legal?" I didn't use or talk on the phone, just shut off the ringer so it would not be a distraction.

So was it legal? If so, would I be likely to be ticketed for it if an officer observed me doing it?

[Rico911]

CA Vehicle Code 23123. (a) 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.

To answer your question was it legal? Yes.

If I saw you holding the phone to your face or ear and talking, IMO you would be in violation.

I see ppl all the time hold the phone to their face in speaker mode while driving. It's not hands free and it is in violation.

[Notorious]

You have to hold the phone in your hand and use it for talking/listening for it to violate that section of the CVC. You also cannot be texting or reading emails either... but that's another section that talks about unsafe operation.

[gun4fun]

What about gps like google maps

[Notorious]

Same as using GPS otherwise. You can't be holding the GPS in your hand or punching directions in while driving. I punch in the info to my phone and then set it down and listen to the voice prompts since I don't have a holder in my car.

[Doheny]

Can I turn off the ringer and use my GPS while wearing sunglasses?

[1911su16b870]

Can I turn off the ringer and use my GPS while wearing sunglasses?

I see what you did there

[Notorious]

I see what you did there

Only if you stayed at a holiday inn last night, wear a hat, and make an appointment.