For those of you who thinking about getting a pair of Google Glass, here's a little PSA for you - wearing Google Glass is just the same as talking on a cell phone in the eyes of the law, and it could lead to being ticketed for "distracted driving" in California. Here's a ticket for proof:
It appears that Cecilia Abadie got a speeding ticket and using Google Glass was a secondary fine when she was pulled over (if you want to see her post on G+ you can here.). While I can't be sure exactly what law this breaks, the general thought is that the driver may have violated this law:
V C Section 27602 Television
27602. (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications, is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at a point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is operating and the monitor, screen, or display is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.
The law goes on to state that exceptions can be made if:
(B) The equipment is designed, operated, and configured in a manner that prevents the driver of the motor vehicle from viewing the television broadcast or video signal while operating the vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner.
(6) A mobile digital terminal that is fitted with an opaque covering that does not allow the driver to view any part of the display while driving, even though the terminal may be operating, installed in a vehicle that is owned or operated by any of the following:
According to Abadie's post, the police officer let her know that Glass was blocking her view, which is hard to prove or disprove, and is a judgement call on the officers part. The law states that it applies when the vehicle is not operated in a "safe and reasonable manner," so it's up to the officer's interpretation as to how reasonable it is to use Glass, which rests above the eye and is not distracting according to users. I am sure this will go to court and I hope she does a follow up post on the ruling.
I am very interested to see how it goes.
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