Thread: Oregon Laws

Ok I sent a e-mail to the oregon state Police here it is along with the reply

To Whom It May Concern:



I have done some research and I can’t find an answer to my questions, I am not sure if this is the correct forum to ask questions, but if not, could you please forward it to the correct department.



I am about to install a computer in my car to use for GPS, navigation and to play music. I have heard a number of conflicting stories about if this is or isn’t legal in Oregon.



The commercial systems are out of my price range running well over thirty five hundred dollars with out installation.



My system will cost about fifteen hundred installed.



My system will contain a small seven-inch touch screen molded into the dashboard and a Voice prompt control system (no keyboard or mouse)

I don’t want to spend the money if I am going to get pulled over two days later and told to remove it.

Can you shed some light on this issue?



Thank you in advance



Joseph Lipchitz

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Reply

I’m Jim Monger, the Traffic Sergeant for the Beaverton Police Department. Your question regarding installing a computer in your car for GPS, navigation and to play music was forwarded to me.



Televisions in vehicles are addressed in ORS 815.240:

815.240 Unlawful use of vehicle television equipment; penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of vehicle television equipment if the person drives or moves on any highway or owns and causes or knowingly permits to be driven or moved on any highway any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast that is any of the following:

(a) Located in the vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver’s seat.

(b) Visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle.

(2) The offense described in this section, unlawful use of vehicle television equipment, is a Class B traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §494; 1985 c.69 §4]

If you computer system does not display a television broadcast (common sense would also include watching DVDs) then it is not illegal.



Jim Monger

Traffic Sergeant

Beaverton police Department


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More Info and the law for Oregon

OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2003 Regular SessionSenate Bill 299Sponsored by COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY (at the request of Oregon State Police Officers′ Association)SUMMARYThe following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subjectto consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor′s brief statement of the essential features of themeasure as introduced.Creates offense of unlawful viewing of display screen of electronic device. Punishes by maximumfine of $300.A BILL FOR AN ACTRelating to motor vehicles.Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:SECTION 1. Section 2 of this 2003 Act is added to and made a part of ORS chapter 815.SECTION 2. (1) A person commits the offense of unlawful viewing of the display screenof an electronic device if the person isa) Operating a motor vehicle; and(b) Viewing on the display screen of an electronic device in the motor vehicle enter-tainment or other material that does not aid the person in the safe operation or navigationof the motor vehicle.(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section do not apply to a person who is oper-ating a police, fire, ambulance or emergency vehicle and who views on the display screen ofan electronic device in the vehicle material that aids the person in performing emergencyactivities.(3) The offense described in this section, unlawful viewing of the display screen of anelectronic device, is a Class B traffic violation.(4) Nothing in this section affects the provisions of ORS 815.240.NOTE: Matter in boldfaced type in an amended section is new; matter [italic and bracketed] is existing law to be omitted.New sections are in boldfaced type.LC 1680