Google Maps is testing a new ad format that gives users the option to add a stop for a sponsored location during navigation.

Jesus, that is a gross way to inject advertising into turn-by-turn navigation.

  • soratoyuki@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    6 months ago

    In Virginia, at least, it’s not a meaningful distinction.

    There used to be an exception for GPS, but the state changed the law a few years ago so that any non-hands-free use of a phone in a non-parked is a ticketable offense. Swiping away an ad at a red light would technically be illegal.

      • soratoyuki@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        6 months ago

        Anecdotal, but a friend of mine was ticketed for it within the first week it went into effect. She (understandably) assumed that being stopped at a stop light was acceptable. That said, I’m not aware of any enforcement since then and wouldn’t be surprised if they deliberately only enforced it right after it took effect.

        Still wouldn’t risk it, though.