RE: Laws of having TFT LCD by Driver

**thebigmoa** · 05-10-2002, 10:47 PM

Hi all,
I've been having some problems with mounting my 6.5 TFT LCD
on the dash due to illegal reasons. In New Zealand, the law states that if you have a TV mounted in your car you must have it out of the drivers view and reach, which means I can't operate my MP3car player I'm developing. I have already advised the Police, and the Land Transport Authority that it is not a TV but a Monitor Display to control the MP3 player, they both basically told me that since the computer has the ability to run and add graphical displays e.g DVD, DIVX, Games etc while the car is in motion it is classed as a TV as it will distract the driver. I need to know if anybody has managed to get the screen legally fitted and if so how did they go about it. I know this is a international forum, but the more feed back I get, the better. The law is probably close or along the same lines for every country.
Anyways, Thanks again All...
Cheers

**smashr2k** · 05-10-2002, 11:11 PM

okay, well it sounds like you are trying to get it professionaly mounted, which may be your main problem. The way that people get out of tickets here in the states is by stating that it is for navigation purposes. All these new luxury cars have TFTs built in from the factory so if simply say that it is for navigation purposes, then you ought to be fine.

**THEMP3KID** · 05-11-2002, 01:10 AM

But what if you don't have GPS or map software on your computer??

**thebigmoa** · 05-11-2002, 05:29 AM

Thank you both for your replies.
The main reason why I want to get it installed legally is for insurance reasons. The last thing I want to happen is some dumbass hit me and then my insurance not pay out as I have a TFT screen on the dash. I surpose I could say it is for GPS and MP3 purposes only but I still have the ability to play DVD, SVCD etc while driving, and with these abilities I reckon they will deem it illegal as it could be a distraction to the driver. The only answer I surpose is 40X4 LCD Display and mount the TFT in the back.

pcman_cortina · 05-11-2002, 05:35 AM

hiya there

well here in australis you can have a screen in drivers view if it is gps or if it turns off when the handbrake is released

so the easiest way to do it would be have a switch/relay so that you can have the screen on whenever you want but can flick it off if ya get pulled over

cheers and good luck

pcman

**Defiler** · 05-15-2002, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by THEMP3KID
But what if you don't have GPS or map software on your computer??

Take a screen shot of a NAV application running and use it as your desktop wallpaper. Then hide your desktop Icons.

(this response is more of a joke than anything.)

**AndyM** · 05-16-2002, 02:06 AM

Hi thebigmoa

I am in New Zealand also and I have a 5.6 inch LCD mounted on my dashboard. I have been stopped by both the Police and Highway Patrol 8 times (never because of the monitor) in the last 6 months. I had the computer running on all those occasions. During the day the display on the monitor is pretty inconspicious and none of the officers have commented on it.

4 of the times I was stopped was at night. At night the LCD is very eye-catching. Only one police officer commented on it. I was parked, watching some music videos, in an area where there was a unruly group of drunk guys, and the officer said "it looks like you have got a lot of expensive gear in there. If those guy start to wander in this direction it might be a good idea if you take off."

So my practical experience is that the cops here are cool about it.

As a wise man once said, "it is easier to get forgiven than to get permission". For example you would never be able to get permission to drive at 120 kmph but if you get caught doing so you just have to pay a fine and then you are forgiven. I figure the situation is the same with the monitor. They won't let you have it... but if you install it anyway, you would only get in a little bit of trouble if they caught you.

I guess the worst thing that could happen is if you crash the car because you were distracted by the monitor and they charge you over that.

Just my opinion.

Don't quote me in court!

AndyM

**hornet** · 05-16-2002, 04:50 AM

I think he is more worried about voiding his insurance in the unfortunate experience of an accident. Insurance companies will try anything to wezel there way out of paying up claims.

pcman: that idea about the switch and relay is exactally what i had in mind. have the switch tucked up under the dash, and then flick it over when ever you get pulled over or have an inspection.