 The state of Massachusetts just introduced a new law against cell phone use while driving. This change affects more than just texting teens, chatty soccer moms and stock brokers making conference calls. The new legislation also impacts those using their phones as a navigation aid - most cell-phone GPS applications stream data constantly as they load map information. The law (H. 4795), states:
“No operator of a motor vehicle shall use a mobile telephone, or any
handheld device capable of accessing the Internet, to manually compose,
send or read an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle.” In essence this only restricts devices that access the internet, thereby stand alone GPS units are not prohibited. Garmin offers many units that include Bluetooth connectivity, so users can still make and receive cell phone calls wirelessly. This seems to be a growing trend throughout Canada and the US - legislation against mobile devices being used while driving. Hands-free options are available for the majority of personal electronics, and law enforcement are cracking down on drivers still fiddling with mobile devices.
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