Posts: 37,913
Threads: 4,147
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
The texting while driving thread below reminds me of a burning question that I've been saving for the next time I bump into an officer of the law around here...
I DO NOT talk on the phone while driving without a hands free setup. I do not text while driving ever.
BUT my iPhone has replaced a map-in-the-lap when I need such things and I will pick up my phone that's sitting beside me, wake it and look at the map. I'm pretty sure this is not legal in California, but I still do it...
I don't have a GPS unit and I don't really want one. I don't want something telling me when to turn, i want to see a pulsing blue dot on a map.
what say you all?
Posts: 37,098
Threads: 2,599
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
>>i want to see a pulsing blue dot on a map.
how do you do that AND keep your eyes on the road?
Posts: 52,142
Threads: 2,792
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
1
I'm pretty sure this is not legal in California
"You are correct, sir!"
CA CVC doesn't stipulate "phone", it says "electronic device".
You can use a dash mount, and then use the touch screen. But trying to read a map while driving is distracting, especially with a small screen. Still, legal, as long as you don't commit an infraction or worse.
I use a mount on the dash and on my bike when using Navigon. It allows me to see the road "ahead". I spend more time looking at my mirrors than at the 'Phone.
Factor nav systems usually have displays far lower than the top of the dash and the driver's normal line of site. I don't operate the 'Phone while moving. If I need to change the programming, I just pull over when it's convenient. (A fully functional Siri would be a great help here.
Also, I wear earbuds to hear news, traffic, or music, along with the GPS prompts. Illegal, too. However, the buds don't seal completely and block enough wind noise that I actually hear better than without them.
Still not legal.
Posts: 26,404
Threads: 740
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
I find that the iPhone is too small and requires too much attention to fiddle with safely while driving. Mine is in a dash mount and hooked into my car's built in hands free phone setup, but whenever I need to use it for navigation I generally pull over, wait for a stop light, or ask the passenger to do it. I then set up the nav app to give me turn by turn spoken directions so I don't have to fiddle with it any more. Using the built-in google maps app for navigation is not safe.
Posts: 52,142
Threads: 2,792
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
1
I use Navigon USA which is $30, I think, and MotionX GPS drive, which is 99¢ and $9.95 (for the time being) for a year's subscription to voice.
Posts: 52,142
Threads: 2,792
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
1
I say you need to put a GPS app with spoken turn-by-turn directions on your iPhone and get a proper mount for it.
So say we all.
(Ok, maybe we don't all say that, but I love the phrase.)
