I had to research that last summer when I wanted to get a digital recorder -- not for journaling but for taking notes about the route while driving. "1:37 PM, mile 85. Just passed the last _____ exit. Sign says 'Rest area 5 miles.'" Here in California the law says very specifically that it applies only to cell phones, not to recorders: "A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving." I found that at the California DMV website. Obviously it'll vary from state to state (and country to country).