Google Glass wearer given traffic fine

Cecilia Abadie models her Google Glass eyewear as she talks with her attorney outside the traffic court in San Diego.

Cecilia Abadie models her Google Glass eyewear as she talks with her attorney outside the traffic court in San Diego.

Published Dec 4, 2013

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Los Angeles - A US woman thought to be the first person to get a traffic ticket for wearing Google Glass pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday, her lawyer said.

Cecilia Abadie, who was wearing the hi-tech eyewear but says it was not turned on at the time, was charged with speeding and distracted driving on a San Diego freeway on October 29.

On Tuesday, her lawyer William Concidine appeared in court with the 44-year-old to deny the charges.

“Our primary argument is that Ms Abadie was not driving while the Google Glass was actually operational,” he told AFP, adding: “There is nothing illegal about simply wearing the Google Glass while it is not turned on.”

The traffic code on which she was cited makes it a violation to drive a vehicle “if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen” is visible, according to the LA Times.

The speeding ticket alleges that she was driving at 130km/h in a 100km/h zone.

“The issue will be what does the officer who cited Ms Abadie testify to at the trial regarding whether he saw, or did not see, the Google Glass being used while Ms Abadie was driving the vehicle,” said her lawyer.

A judge set a trial date of January 16, Abadie’s lawyer said.

Sapa-AFP

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