• 27
  • October
    2011

It seems that anytime Apple launches a new product there is a fair amount of buzz. Given that, you've probably already heard about the newest iPhone, the 4S. It sounds like the iPhone 4S could allow New Yorkers to text and drive without getting a ticket.

Yes, you read that right. Despite New York's ban on texting while driving, drivers using the new integrated software program Siri on the iPhone 4S could send text messages while driving without ever using their hands.

The law against texting and cell phone use in New York applies to "manual communication." Basically, you can't use your hands to operate your phone while driving. Many drivers are still able to receive and make calls on their phones by using a hands-free device like a headset or a Bluetooth. But until now texters have not had hands-free options.

The iPhone software allows drivers to tell the phone who they'd like to text, speak the message and then say send. If they receive a text back, Siri will read the response out loud.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, as long as drivers are not holding the phone in their hands, then there is no problem. But if drivers are picking up the phone to proofread texts before they are sent, to read texts that are received or touch any other buttons, then it would be against New York's law.

So, iPhone 4S users, text away, but be careful to not to actually touch your phone if texting while behind the wheel. Even starting up the iPhone and the Siri software -- which needs to be done manually by pushing a button -- could get you into trouble if you touch it while you are driving.

Source: Syracuse.com, "Will iPhone 4S allow drivers to text without breaking any laws?," 10/25/11.