Vehicle makers, which already comply with such regulations when it comes to built-in navigation systems, are supporting the bill, according to The New York Times, but some software companies do not support such legislation. Crowd-sourced navigation apps like Waze could be impacted, especially since their functionality largely derives from user interactivity.
Why is the federal government getting involved with map apps?
Answer: to reduce distracted driving
Talking on a cell phone while driving may be illegal in some states, but the use of a smartphone for navigation is still a gray area, which is why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may soon have the authority to set regulations on map apps. Specified in a provision of the administration’s proposed GROW AMERICA Act, the NHTSA would be allowed to regulate mobile map apps much as it now regulates mechanical features on vehicles.
Vehicle makers, which already comply with such regulations when it comes to built-in navigation systems, are supporting the bill, according to The New York Times, but some software companies do not support such legislation. Crowd-sourced navigation apps like Waze could be impacted, especially since their functionality largely derives from user interactivity.
Vehicle makers, which already comply with such regulations when it comes to built-in navigation systems, are supporting the bill, according to The New York Times, but some software companies do not support such legislation. Crowd-sourced navigation apps like Waze could be impacted, especially since their functionality largely derives from user interactivity.
