Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

Federal Government Seeks Authority to Regulate Mapping Apps

by Fox Van Allen on June 16, 2014

Google Maps on an iPhoneThe Obama administration is seeking the authority to regulate and standardize rules for smartphone mapping apps through the U.S. Department of Transportation, the New York Times is reporting.

The plan, a part of President Obama’s proposed $302 billion GROW AMERICA transportation bill, would give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the ability to restrict the use of mapping apps and demand safety-related changes. Essentially, mapping apps would be treated much the way physical car components are.

Currently, the federal government issues voluntary guidelines for the design and safe in-car operation of GPS navigation systems and mapping software. It recommends that individual interactions with mapping apps should take no longer than 2 seconds each, and no more than 12 seconds in total.

Automakers generally support federal regulation of GPS systems, as their in-dash navigation systems are already in compliance. Silicon Valley, meanwhile, is less than enthusiastic about the idea of government intervention in software design.

“They don’t have enough software engineers,” Catherine McCullough, executive director of the Intelligent Car Coalition, told the Times. “They don’t have the budget or the structure to oversee both Silicon Valley and the auto industry.”

The prospects for the GROW AMERICA act are poor. A spending bill of its size that imposes new federal regulations will surely struggle to pass the Republican-led House of Representatives. Still, with the rules regarding the use of smartphones while driving varying from state to state, the need for some manner of nationwide standard is likely to disappear on its own.


Topics

Car Tech & Safety, News, Phones and Mobile, GPS Navigation, Travel & Entertainment, Blog


Discussion loading

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.