this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2024
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Not to defend Google, but it seems unclear right now if this is something that will happen while driving, or similar to something Waze already does.
In Virginia, at least, it's not a meaningful distinction.
There used to be an exception for GPS, but the state changed the law a few years ago so that any non-hands-free use of a phone in a non-parked is a ticketable offense. Swiping away an ad at a red light would technically be illegal.
I do not live in Virginia. Is this law actively enforced? Lots of things are "technically illegal".
Anecdotal, but a friend of mine was ticketed for it within the first week it went into effect. She (understandably) assumed that being stopped at a stop light was acceptable. That said, I'm not aware of any enforcement since then and wouldn't be surprised if they deliberately only enforced it right after it took effect.
Still wouldn't risk it, though.
Waze has popped up ads on me plenty of times while I'm driving. Yes it knows I'm driving, the map is still scrolling along my route. At one point it was bad enough that the ads were remaining after every stop light, and finally clearing about half way to the next light. I haven't seen it happen in awhile though, maybe they finally got it fixed.
I'm honestly surprised it's taken them this long. They bought Waze in 2013. I feel like Waze has been doing this kind of ad for at least that long.