Law change makes it illegal to look at a map while driving or face $136 fine – but there’s a way within the rules

DRIVERS could now be hit with fines for simply glancing at a map on their phone while behind the wheel.

The crackdown follows a major ruling that tightened California’s distracted driving laws this summer.

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Drivers can now be fined for holding a phone to check maps (stock image)[/caption]

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The decision means drivers can be pulled over for holding a device at any time (stock image)[/caption]

California courts made clear in June that holding your phone to check Google Maps – even without swiping – counts as breaking the law.

The Sixth District Court of Appeals decided that any phone use while holding the device goes against the state’s intent, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“Allowing a driver to hold a phone and view a mapping application, even if not touching the phone’s screen, would be contrary to the Legislature’s intent,” the judges wrote.

The decision means drivers can be pulled over for holding a device at any time – even if stopped at a red light.

California has restricted handheld phone use since 2008, when lawmakers first banned talking on the phone while driving.

While texting and similar actions were outlawed later, many motorists claimed they were safe if they only used their phone for maps or music.

In 2017, Assembly Bill 1785 allowed drivers to have their phones mounted on dashboards or windshields, with just a single tap or swipe permitted.

But the 2025 ruling wiped away any grey areas, enforcing a statewide “no-touch” interpretation of the law.

Since July 1, police can issue tickets if they see a driver holding a phone for navigation, changing music, or checking notifications.

Now, it is illegal to hold your phone for any reason, swipe while it’s not mounted, or look at the screen while in your hand, according to Bakersfield law firm Chain, Cohn and Clark.

The California Office of Traffic Safety says the only exception is if the device is properly mounted.

Drivers are allowed a single tap or swipe to activate or deactivate a feature, as long as it does not block their view of the road.

Multiple taps, scrolling through playlists, or typing out a text are strictly off-limits.

Breaking the rule is treated as an infraction, meaning no criminal charges, but fines still sting.

The base fine is $20 for the first offense, though court fees bring it to around $136, according to the Best Online Traffic School.

A second offense within three years can push the cost to about $272 and add a DMV point to your driving record.

Points can lead to higher insurance costs or even license suspension for repeat offenders.

There are limited exceptions – emergency personnel such as police and firefighters are not bound while on duty.

Passengers can freely use their phones, but rideshare and delivery drivers must comply with the same rules as everyone else.

Emergency calls to 911 or roadside assistance are still legal, regardless of whether the phone is mounted.

California law is also stricter for young drivers.

The state has banned drivers under 18 from using phones at all – even hands-free or mounted devices.

“The youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk when driving distracted,” the Office of Traffic Safety warned.

Across the US, similar “no-touch” laws are spreading fast.

Pennsylvania joined 30 other states with a hands-off rule in June, following the passage of Paul Miller’s Law.

Drivers have been warned that touching a phone for even a moment — including at red lights — can land them with a ticket.

Fines vary by state, with New York drivers facing up to $450 for repeat offenses within 18 months.

But in California, the bottom line is simple: if it’s in your hand, you’re breaking the law.