california law and getting pulled over - Page 2

god_of_cpu · 12-10-2004, 10:19 PM

I've been pulled over 6 times in the last year (always for blatent speeding) and my screen was up and showing my XM or mp3 interface every time. The screens been mistaken for stock alot, but it's very clear its not a NAV system and the cops never ticketed me for it, or even said anything about it. I got some long looks at it from some of them, my interface is animated, but I never show full movies or visualizations while driving.

yunusyu · 12-10-2004, 10:56 PM

God of CPU, i am glad i found out you finally released the g35 screens...I am running out to find customers for you (and me

)
yunus

IntellaWorks · 12-10-2004, 11:41 PM

I've actually been pulled over for speeding (Like God_of_cpu) and I was asked about "what's that screen is doing." (it actually had a visualization going, playing a song that was turned down)

I replied to the officer that it was mainly a navigation & music unit.

Here's how I see it, they will never outlaw in-vehicle telematics because the market is going to be HUGE (we're talking billions.) If big car companies can have stock telematic units installed then our systems are fine as well.

In fact I've actually had the privlage to use some stock navigation systems, and boy were they diffacult to use. They actually weren't touch screen and used the regular radio controls for input. They were awkward and I wouldn't recommed them to use while your driving...

I know my car system, is mostly hands free by means of voice activation and really is much nicer to use in a car envirnment.

NOS TANG · 12-12-2004, 02:11 PM

I have to agree with Inetlla, it all comes down to how you are using the system at the time you get stopped.

I just now saw a blurp on CNN where law makers are wanting to make backup warning devices like backup cameras MANIDTORY on new vehicles to keep people from backing over their kids. So I guess if you have your backup camera on and not a DVD you would be fine. Actually I replaced the rear view mirror in my Mustang with a 7” monitor, and it has a rear view camera connected. No law problems so far.

Fact is that in a few years 90% of the new vehicles will have an LCD in dash from the factory, Navigation, music, safety, TV and what ever else people will figure out to use them for who knows. For navigation the courts may say viewing while driving is fine, but you may recall some guy went on trial last month for killing someone in a crash while he was watching a movie. Had he been checking a Garmin GPS unit for directions, would he be in trouble or would it have been just another tragic accident?

The law regarding use will ultimately come down to how stupid people are while driving. Recall when car phones were all the rage “great safety device”, then handhelds took over, then people crashed while talking on the handhelds, now we need laws to force the stupid people to use hands free kits to keep from killing other stupid people who can't drive and talk. Personally I think it’s unnecessary to create such idiot laws, but obviously the courts don’t agree and find they need to protect us from our own lack of common sense.

sheerdark · 12-12-2004, 03:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by edrex

Does that mean that they are breaking the law when they go over the speed limit to pursue a criminal? They aren't bound by the same laws that we are, there are definately special circumstances that they are allowed. One of those would be the car PC use. So I think the last thing you would want to do when pulled over is use the "But you are breaking the law too" argument.

From the way that I understand it....cops are simply civillians until they turn the blue lights on. Does that mean they don't abuse their power and speed, run through stop lights and stop signs, etc....heck no, I see them do it all the time. Does it mean that they are allowed to do such things - NO. You can turn them in and get them into trouble if you can prove (via video or other means) that they actually broke the law when they were not in pursuit or on the way to the scene of a crime. However, I'm not too conerned about it...I just shake my finger at them when I see them breaking the law. It's not MY job to get them into trouble - while some people view it as their second job to do it.

sheerdark · 12-12-2004, 04:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DaRacerz

First of all, the law is a lotta bull. We (pesants) have zero rights while law enforcement does whatever they want cause they get away with it most of the time. You should also never act smart around a cop, he'll slap you silly. And yea, the cop is suppose to follow the exact same law we are required to follow Except when in action (aka, lights and siren on).

This carpc deal is sort of the same debate with cell phone. They want us to drive hands free, while the real distraction is talking, not the one hand holding the phone, specially when I always drive with one hand. The distraction is the concentration away from the road.

OOPS...I didn't notice that you had already said what I said before I posted.

I talk on my cell phone while driving, but realize that it is illegal in some states. I simply use a headset or my hands-free device and maintain eye contact with the road at all times. If I didn't have voice dialing, I would never use the phone in the car except when someone called me. My headset allows me to push a button and say who I want to call and it calls them....if someone calls me...one push of the button picks it up. I try to be as responsible while talking as possible and not let it distract me too much. It's the same with my CarPC. I have a remote that I use most of the time so that I don't have to look at the screen. Too bad the law has to apply to everyone, because some people just can't be responsible!

In DC, I believe that the law does not say that you can't talk on a cellphone or operate a radio/car PC...however, it does say that you MUST have two hands on the wheel at all times. If you don't, you can get pulled over no matter what you are doing with your other hand. That sorta law really takes care of ALL of the ways that you can be irresponsible on the road. But the traffic is so bad up there that you don't really have a chance to take your eyes off the road anyways.

frodobaggins · 12-12-2004, 07:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by sheerdark

...however, it does say that you MUST have two hands on the wheel at all times. If you don't, you can get pulled over no matter what you are doing with your other hand.

That's not going to fly very well with me. I drive a standard.

sheerdark · 12-12-2004, 08:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by frodobaggins

That's not going to fly very well with me. I drive a standard.

hmm...interesting point. I never thought about that. I guess you are given a few second allowance to switch gears and then return the hand to the wheel, perhaps? I'll have to ask my friend that is living in DC how they handle that....

0l33l · 12-12-2004, 08:13 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by frodobaggins

That's not going to fly very well with me. I drive a standard.

Yeh. When I was at driving school I used to make fun of that law saying that people who drive stick-shifts must have 3 hands

Bugbyte · 12-12-2004, 10:23 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by sheerdark

In DC, [...however, it does say that you MUST have two hands on the wheel at all times. If you don't, you can get pulled over no matter what you are doing with your other hand.]

No. The law is specifically aimed at cell phones. You are required to use a hands free device when on a cell phone. No requirement to have both hands on the wheel.

Skraggy_uk · 12-13-2004, 05:36 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by yunusyu

Plus it is really dangerous to have that stuff on, I have come to realize that even though i am a pretty good driver. One glance is closer to death.

So do you look at the speedo/fuel gauge/temp gauge or radio at all?

If not then you can't be monitoring (with the exception of the radio) the proper running of your vehicle.

Skraggy_uk · 12-13-2004, 05:40 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by frodobaggins

That's not going to fly very well with me. I drive a standard.

Wow, an American called a manual box a standard instead of a stick.

I thought Autobox slushmatics were the standard over there, with sticks being the option for Americans who actually prefered to control their cars instead of read the paper.

Draxin · 12-13-2004, 05:49 AM

the law states any UN INSTALLED video screen. so this is widely open to interpritation as to what "installed" means. Does it mean by factory or simply duct taped to the dash, the verdict is still out.

as for the cop browsing through the computer system, NO this would requier a search warent unless he asks and you agree.

he can search the car if he feels there is probable cause, however the computer is not considered part of the car, and thus does not fall under the same "probable cause".

Disclaimer : I am not a lawyer and the above information is based on personal research and could possably be wrong but to the best of my knowledge is correct.

travelfeet · 12-13-2004, 06:18 AM

Configure a password protected blank screen saver that can be activated if you are pulled over. (ideally via some hidden button, I imagine like a car alarm override switch) The cop cannot force you to give him/her the password. They'll see nothing but the blank screen or a password prompt if they do mess with it. If they really wanted to fully investigate and felt it was warranted you would risk the car being impounded/ or you car PC being removed, but how likely is that?

It is possible that the enter password prompt would get the officer thinking that you'd have to be using a keyboard in the car. That might not help the situation.

I have to disagree that the car PC is not part of the car if an officer decides to search, I'm not an attorney either, but what is the distinction between one part of the car and another. If your jacket is on the back seat, it has no additional protection from search, why would your PC? Ever see a search at a border crossing with the carpet and seats removed from the car? Nothing in the car is off limits if a search is warranted for some small item...

One definitely good piece of advice, never consent to search, never give up your rights, shut your mouth and do not incriminate your self. The police are trained to keep you talking for just that reason. Give someone enough rope and they (or you) will hang themselves.

sheerdark · 12-13-2004, 06:27 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bugbyte

No. The law is specifically aimed at cell phones. You are required to use a hands free device when on a cell phone. No requirement to have both hands on the wheel.

Ok, well...I'll have to talk to my friend in DC. He works in a congressional member's office, so I took his word on the new law....this is all i could find specifically talking about both hands....

(1) “Hands-free device” means an attachment, add-on, or addition to a
mobile telephone, whether or not permanently installed in a motor vehicle, that when used allows the vehicle operator to maintain both hands on the steering wheel.
borrowed from: http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.u...0110124412.pdf

So, you appear to be right about that. I'll have to ask him to find the specific law and see if he can....

However, I did find this bill, too....very interesting.

borrowed from: http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.u...0113120047.pdf

This one is pretty loosely worded (as some other laws are, so it's pretty much up to the cop's discretion)...."Distracted driving" is a pretty generic word. "Engaging in any activity that causes distractions" LOL - shifting CAN be pretty distracting

I'll get in touch with my friend today when he gets to work and see if he can find the bill, assuming that there actually is a law like he said. Otherwise, good job on knowing the laws of your state better than a non-resident does

If you've ever been in a cab in DC, then you know that the cabbies all use headsets, but still drive with only one hand - while holding the cellphone in the other....at least in my experience in the few times i've been there. They are some of the worst drivers on the planet!