With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Woman Bravely Fights Historic Google-Glassing While Driving Ticket, Wins
Cecilia Abadie and her new driving companion. (Photo via Abadie's Facebook)
()
Remember the case of Cecilia Abadie, the Temecula woman who caused an uproar last year for getting ticketed for Google Glass-ing while driving? A judge in San Diego just had her ticket thrown out of court.
The 44-year-old Abadie's ticket in October of 2013 started an interesting conversation on whether or not the as-of-yet unreleased technology could be used while driving your car. Abadie posted the ticket on her Google+ page, which bore "Driving with monitor visible to driver (Google Glass)" in barely legible cop handwriting. "Is #GoogleGlass illegal while driving or is this cop wrong??? Any legal advice is appreciated!!" Abadie said to her masses of friends and followers.
Her main argument was that the device was not on when the cop pulled her over, rendering it useless and unable to distract her while driving. Today, the judge agreed, stating that one's Google Glass can only pose a driving hazard if it's on, according to the Los Angeles Times
In all honesty, the judge's ruling is confusing, considering that it would be extremely hard to tell from a cop's viewpoint if someone's Google Glass is on though a driver's windshield. But hey, score one for the tech crowd.
Support for LAist comes from
Abadie posted a picture of her paper vindication on her Google+ page, much to the delight of her fans, some of which had been using the questionable hashtag #freececilia:
Her attorney even got her speeding charge thrown out of court, citing that the officer's speedometer needed to be better calibrated, according to the L.A. Weekly. So, today's ruling was the ultimate win-win for Abadie: she doesn't have to take off her device while driving and she doesn't even have to pay for speeding on the freeway.
Related:
Woman Gets Ticket For Google Glass-ing While Driving
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist