Illegal to watch a video in front seat?

[tbike06]

Our car has a in dash DVD player (we bought it used). I was wondering if anyone knows if it is illegal to have a video playing in the front seats while driving? THis is in California. I searched but couldnt find anything. Thanks.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: tbike06
Our car has a in dash DVD player (we bought it used). I was wondering if anyone knows if it is illegal to have a video playing in the front seats while driving? THis is in California. I searched but couldnt find anything. Thanks.

I know it is illegal and some cars even have switches built into them that won't even turn them on while the car is in gear.

 

[MDE]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's illegal no matter what state you're in. Is the DVD player aftermarket or OEM?

 

[tbike06]

It is aftermarket.

 

[Sluggo]

If its not illegal, it damn well should be.

 

[MadAmos]

It is most definitely illeagal in CA to have it any where the driver can see it when the Vehicle is in motion. link to CA vehicle code text

Amos

 

[tbike06]

Originally posted by: MadAmos
It is most definitely illeagal in CA to have it any where the driver can see it when the Vehicle is in motion. link to CA vehicle code text

Amos

Thanks for the link. :thumbsup:

 

[imported_Truenofan]

i dont get why it should be legal, thats like 120% worse than driving and talking on a cell phone, your watching the display instead of the road, i understand it could be for a passenger, but jesus, your still going to glance down at it. i'm personally glad its illegal. i agree with sluggo.

 

[GoatMonkey]

I agree that it should be illegal. However, I'd like to be able to tune into the audio of a TV broadcast while driving. A lot of the morning TV news shows seem to do a better job at reporting traffic. It might be a little rough though since they're assuming you can see the pictures also.

 

[zoiks]

Yeah. There are a lot of dumbasses on the road that can't drive straight as it is. Imagine having them watch CNN on the front display as they're driving.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: Sluggo
If its not illegal, it damn well should be.

I agree. Also, if you're stupid enough to watch video in the front seat while the car is moving, you should lose your license.

 

[jtvang125]

Unless you or the previous owner intentionally bypassed the safety feature it probably won't let you watch a movie while the car is moving. Most of these units checks to see if the parking brake is applied before allowing the dvd player to function. This safety feature can easily be bypassed on many units though.

Oh, and as already mentioned it is illegal to have a moving image displayed in view of the driver in CA. Navigation is ok though.

 

[GoatMonkey]

Originally posted by: jtvang125
Oh, and as already mentioned it is illegal to have a moving image displayed in view of the driver in CA. Navigation is ok though.

Would still images in a slideshow be legal then?

 

[Gillbot]

Most states have laws agains video screens anywhere forward of the BACK of the drivers seat.

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: Gillbot
Most states have laws agains video screens anywhere forward of the BACK of the drivers seat.

Then how does my car have an LCD touch screen in the dash? It's technically a video screen as I bet a good person could get it to play video (and it technically "plays" moving map video).

EDIT: And note that to my knowledge, this is available in every state. I think the best way to describe it would be a screen designed purely for video input rather than any input even though they could be the same thing. I know a lot of those minivans have the monitor in ceiling part.