Whats the law in Texas?

kiztope · 01-19-2004, 09:05 PM

I am planning on having a Lilliput flushmounted in my dash (replacing my HU), Anyone know the law in Texas referring to having an LCD screen in driver view?? (I plan on using this all the time, including traveling at night, this thread was sparked by a post in a different thread...)

So, Whats the law?? Will having this screen be illegal?

Thanks..

chut · 01-19-2004, 09:19 PM

I don't know what the final passed reg looks like but this was proposed:

By: Carona S.B. No. 209

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to prohibiting a motor vehicle from being equipped with
certain video[0] equipment and devices.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Section 547.611, Transportation
Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 547.611. USE OF CERTAIN VIDEO[0] EQUIPMENT AND TELEVISION
RECEIVERS [PERMITTED].
SECTION 2. Subsections (a) and (c), Section 547.611,
Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with video[0] receiving
equipment, including a television [and similar equipment], a
digital video[0] disc player, a videocassette player, or similar
equipment, only if the equipment is located so that the video[0]
display[0] is not visible from the operator's seat.
(c) This section does not prohibit the use of:
(1) equipment used:
(A) exclusively for receiving digital
information for commercial purposes;
(B) exclusively for a safety or law enforcement
purpose, if each installation is approved by the department; [or]
(C) in a remote television transmission truck; or
(D) exclusively for monitoring the performance
of equipment installed on a vehicle used for safety purposes in
connection with the operations of a natural gas, water, or electric
utility; or
(2) a monitoring device that:
(A) produces an electronic display[0]; and
(B) is used exclusively in conjunction with a
mobile navigation system installed in the vehicle.
SECTION 3. (a) This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.
(b) The change in law made by this Act applies only to an
offense committed on or after September 1, 2003.
(c) An offense committed before September 1, 2003, is
covered by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of
this section, an offense was committed before September 1, 2003, if
any element of the offense was committed before that date.

Does that help? I know it was written in a convoluted fashion and I would say it was done on purpose.

kiztope · 01-19-2004, 09:28 PM

In other words, as long as I can switch the display to GPS before he gets to my window, I'm in good shape.....

GScherler · 01-19-2004, 10:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kiztope

In other words, as long as I can switch the display to GPS before he gets to my window, I'm in good shape.....

Better re-read 2B again
(B) is used exclusively in conjunction with a
mobile navigation system installed in the vehicle.

All the officer has to do is prove the monitor can show something else and there goes the "exclusively" part. Like your operating system.
Good luck,
Gary

chut · 01-19-2004, 10:12 PM

I was thinking about a lock out....make it so only the gps software will run.

kiztope · 01-20-2004, 01:46 AM

True, true... Do you know how I can get a copy of the written bill??