A California appeals court has ruled that it is illegal for drivers to hold a cellphone while using a navigation app—even if they are not tapping or swiping. The ruling significantly broadens the ...

Picture this: You’re stopped at a red light when you decide to alter your route. Are you legally allowed to check Google Maps on your smartphone? Or do you risk getting a ticket for using a map app?

From checking a map app while driving to pushing the speed limit in a school zone, California’s Vehicle Code lays out the rules of the road drivers must follow to keep everyone safe. In June, the ...