Mobile video in California

**eCar™** · 03-10-2004, 01:05 AM

I guess that would work, if the cop didn't see your monitor is on before he pulled you over.

I'd rather have a software switch that just kills certain apps.

**bondbond55** · 03-10-2004, 01:23 AM

Another idea could be use virtual desktops. Have a desktop for video/audio and another for when you would get pulled over. Assign a hotkey to switch between the desktops.

**deadweasel** · 03-10-2004, 01:40 AM

Originally Posted by bondbond55

Another idea could be use virtual desktops. Have a desktop for video/audio and another for when you would get pulled over. Assign a hotkey to switch between the desktops.

That's something that LiteStep (and a few other shell replacements) have available, using the VWM (virtual window manager) module. I asked what some other guys here thought about using it as a front for Windows itself, and the general consensus seemed to be that it was okay, but:

1) It's a bit of a memory/processor hog, depending on the theme you use
2) You need to know a bit of how the scripts work so you can assign hotkeys for something like switching desktops, controlling Winamp, etc.
3) It's not too conducive to using some prefab apps like MediaCar, and the whole thing about hiding links/buttons is outside a user's ability to control, unless he wrote the app he's using in the first place.

Come to think of it, this might be a slick option to include in programs like MediaCar. Think about it: as you are configuring the program for the first time, you are offered the option to "auto-hide" certain buttons (like video/external apps) at the press of a keyboard key or onscreen "lock" button. Then, when lockout is no longer needed, a secret code is used to unlock those buttons.
You got pulled over while playing porn on the screen again? No problem! Tap the "lockout" button (available from any screen within the program), and BOOM. The specified buttons disappear from the menus, and any portions of the program associated with those options are disabled. If a locked funtion is already in use (such as the aforementioned porn video), it is immediately terminated and dumps the user back at the main menu, sans locked-out buttons.

Hmmm....

**rando** · 03-10-2004, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by eCar™

Well, regardless of what the law actually is, I don't think it's right for them to be giving fines for the ability to show video. They should only be able to fine you if you actually are caught watching video.

It's not against the law to have a car that has the ability to speed. Or a gun that can kill.

A good Libertarian type response.

**rando** · 03-10-2004, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by dacndar

GPS is O.K. , so is having video from a rearview or side view camera system (like on RVs). Actually I think the California law says the ability to play video or business apllications is o.k. as long as there is some kind of lockout to prevent the use of such applications (or display of such I quess) when the vehicle is in motion.

Yep, I posted the text of the CA law above.

**quinxy** · 03-10-2004, 09:56 PM

I think ultimately a lot of it will come down to the mood/nature of the police officer who stops you. In these sorts of situations I think they have a fair amount of leeway in making their determination. As long as they didn't see you watching a movie or playing XBOX while cruising down the highway, and as long as your display was showing something appropriate when they came up (either off or with a GPS display or with a Media Engine MP3 display, etc.) I would think you'd be ok. Unless the cop was that sort.

Here's my thought for what someone should do. Have a lockout application which could use GPS data to automatically engage the lockout when your speed is > 5 mph. The lockout would persist for 3 minutes under speed, so it wouldn't unlock at lights/etc., UNLESS you over-rided it via some interface (maybe a secret hotkey you can set, which only you would know). And it would lockout all but certain applications AND lockout all access to certain types of files (no .mpg access). All of this would seem relatively easy to do, which isn't to say that I could do it.

Quincy

**yunusyu** · 05-28-2004, 08:21 PM

Oh this sucks,
I found out today about this law, good thing i have not gotten any tickets yet. I think i will stick break the law, untill i figure a way out.

**rando** · 05-28-2004, 08:44 PM

Ive already suggest to Frodo that he add an option to disable video/apps based upon some external input. From there a simple circuit would allow you to tap your ebrake, park/neutral switch, brake lights, or whatever to implement the required interlocking device.

Then again, if the source were available, I'd be willing to implement this feature. I don't think it would be terribly difficult to code.

**jbors** · 05-28-2004, 09:15 PM

Just saw it today. Good thread !
It is expected to have a law like this sooner or later( even in my country it will be a rule some day ).
I think that even screen running playlists cannot be considered as 1-4. So the only way to avoid problems is to install big LCD in the back and have big enough LCD ( 240x64, 128x64 ) in front to display GPS info. Voice features and convenient buttons should do the work.
Thanks for sharing.