File this one under the “I didn’t know that” category. Mike Gikas writing for Consumer Reports:
GPS devices are covered under distracted-driving laws. Whether you’re in compliance depends on how you use them, even how you install them. And failing to follow the rules is not only expensive in terms of tickets, points against your license, and higher insurance premiums, it can also be dangerous.
The key seems to be whether you’re holding a GPS device or not; which includes a smartphone with GPS.