A woman who was pulled over for speeding on Tuesday received an additional ticket for wearing the futuristic eyewear technology known as Google Glass, CNN reported.
The ticketing officer compared the device to a TV monitor, which drivers cannot view while operating a vehicle.
Cecilia Abadie posted her ticket on Google + with the headline, "A cop just stopped me and gave me a ticket for wearing Google Glass while driving!" Below that she asked if anyone knew if Glass was definitely illegal to use while driving and if people could offer legal advice.
Though no state specifically bans using Glass while driving, many states have certain traffic laws that could easily include wearable devices, according to CNN. Abadie broke California traffic law V C 27602, which states that individuals cannot drive with a TV monitor active and facing them. Exceptions to the law include GPS and certain cameras.
"I think the law is broad enough to say it violates the law," said San Diego attorney Mitchell Mehdy, known as "Mr Ticket" for helping many southern California drivers out of moving violations.
The officer told Abadie the device was obscuring her vision. She disagreed, saying the it was not turned on and that the display, positioned just above the right eye, doesn't affect her sight, CNN reported.
Mehdy believes she has a case if she decides to take it to court.
"How can this officer prove that this display was being activated or was actually on at the time and what kind of signal she's getting?" Mehdy said.
Abadie may have forgotten to read Glass's FAQ page, which states:
"Most states have passed laws limiting the use of mobile devices while driving any motor vehicle, and most states post those rules on their department of motor vehicles websites. Read up and follow the law!"
In another section, however, the page refers to a feature of Glass that gives "turn-by-turn" directions, indicating that Google meant users to wear the device while driving. Some would argue it's safer than checking a GPS or reaching for a smartphone.
"Glass is far safer than any other means of information delivery. It is out of your view and not distracting," said one commentator to CNN.
Google's response to the violation was somewhat unclear.
"As we make clear in our help center, Explorers should always use Glass responsibly and put their safety and the safety of others first," a Glass spokesperson said. "More broadly, Glass is built to connect you more with the world around you, not distract you from it."
It's more evident where Mehdy stands on the issue.
"There's a wealth of revenue to be generated from technology," he said. "The traffic law enforcement is coming and saying wow, we've got this new incredible device and we want our piece too."