california law and getting pulled over

**bobthebaker** · 12-09-2004, 07:43 PM

i just installed a laptop to 8'' lilliput setup that is obviously not factory, and i searched the forums a bit and understand that if you're playing video in your car you can get pulled over and ticketed.

A few questions i have about this are:

If you are fined, is it a moving violation and can your insurance go up?

Do visualizations, or a simple song selection menu fall under means of being ticketed?

If you are running gps at the moment of being pulled over, can a cop inspect your system and somehow find out you are capable of playing video and then ticket you, even though you have a gps program running?

Can i be ticketed because simply because the setup isn't stock (or appear to be stock)?

I have some more but i have to leave for school now. Thanks for any help.

**rando** · 12-09-2004, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by bobthebaker

If you are fined, is it a moving violation and can your insurance go up?

In CA, the law is listed in the vehicle code so I assume it's treated like all other vehicle code violations.

Do visualizations, or a simple song selection menu fall under means of being ticketed?

My interpretation is "no" but it's difficult to say for sure until legal precedence has been set. Consult a qualified attorney for legal advice.

If you are running gps at the moment of being pulled over, can a cop inspect your system and somehow find out you are capable of playing video and then ticket you, even though you have a gps program running?

A cop is pretty much in control once he pulls you over but just because he does something doesn't mean it's legal or that you've violated a law. You can always go to court and fight the ticket. Based on my interpretation however, a system capable of playing video while the car is in motion (regardless of if it was actually playing or not) violates the CA vehicle code. Consult a qualified attorney for legal advice.

Can i be ticketed because simply because the setup isn't stock (or appear to be stock)?

You probably shouldn't be ticketed for this reason but ofcourse you can be! See above.

**rushnrockt** · 12-09-2004, 08:02 PM

You might like to see this

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27602.htm

Although it does not talk about the multipurpose screens.... complicated.

And then....

"Do not drive a vehicle equipped with a video monitor displaying any type of video signal if the monitor is visible to the driver while operating the vehicle. Note: This does not apply to vehicles equipped with vehicle information and global mapping displays."

so yeah...

**bobthebaker** · 12-09-2004, 08:07 PM

too much ambiguity.......

was hoping someone had first hand accounts of being pulled over, or advice from an attorney or a police officer?

**0l33l** · 12-09-2004, 08:11 PM

When you get pulled over quickly load up the GPS. That's anothe reason I made NaviVoice; if the cop is looking at your screen and you don't touch it, but operate it with voice then that's going to be one surprised pig

**Scouse Monkey** · 12-09-2004, 08:21 PM

Yeah but knowing my luck, windows would throw a wobbler and start playing some porn or something!

**rushnrockt** · 12-09-2004, 08:26 PM

Considering the way its written, even a lawyer won't be able to help you out until you do get pulled over.
Just consider, all decks have some sort of visualization...
Also, the high-end JVC (i think) deck that have the color screen (not monitor) can show pictures or play videos, and as far as i know, they have feature to "turn off" when driving.... Correct me if i am wrong.
Also, I think a cop better have some reaaaally good reason to believe you were doing something bad with the monitor before he can try doing anything like searching/using it.
So yeah, just drive safe, don't watch movies when driving, obey speed limit (as if anyone does)

**0l33l** · 12-09-2004, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by Scouse Monkey

Yeah but knowing my luck, windows would throw a wobbler and start playing some porn or something!

**DaRacerz** · 12-09-2004, 10:31 PM

Well, i know this isn't california law, but its probably the strictest of all. So I add this tidbid from NY. Had a friend who got pulled over because of a Visualization. Screen saver to be exact with some motion. He did get nailed for it, but won the court battle. So if anything, just put on GPS if you see cops around, especially if the screen in visible to outside cars.

According to what I understand from the law, despite being ambiguise, really ambiguise (sp???), is that anything on the display contain full screen motion will be illegal. As long as its Navigation, or a program with minimal motion, then you should be ok.

**NOS TANG** · 12-10-2004, 06:28 PM

When the cop stops you, ask to see what is on the monitor in his car.

Make sure you explain it's not a DVD player but a car PC exactly like what’s in the car he just pulled you over with...

That should make him think twice about writing you up for something that could turn into a bucket of **** for the whole law enforcement community. Just about every cop car I see now has a PC running in it and they our bound by the law same as you and I. In other words if he can prove it's unsafe for you to have the monitor on while driving, then you can prove the same about the cops having them. I don't think they will want to go there.

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