Pulled over this morning for having a tablet PC mounted in my car

[jtvang125]

I'm using a tablet PC mounted to the center console of my dash as my stereo. Yes, it can play videos but I don't do that sh!t while driving. Just playing music with the app displaying a static image. It was early morning so the brightness of the screen probably caught his attention.

No ticket given but gave me a verbal warning and highly suggested that I remove it before I get a ticket. I told him it was no different than a car stereo with a screen or portable navigation. He didn't respond to that and just told me to have a nice day and to drive safely.

As far as I know there are no laws saying I can't use one for this purpose as long as it doesn't obstruct my view or display a moving image so I'm going to ignore what he said and continue using it.

 

[Tristicus]

I know there are laws here that make it so you can't watch videos on a head unit unless the car is in park (for manual, I have no idea). I mean, as long as you're not watching video, you should be fine. Might be good to have no video on the HDD either if you do, just because.

 

[summit]

can't you turn the image to greyscreen or something similar. california law is:

http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27602.htm

 

[dpodblood]

I don't see how using a tablet would be any different than using a car stereo with a dvd player/touch screen display, nor how it would be any different from having a docked ipod.

 

[MrWizzard]

can't you turn the image to greyscreen or something similar. california law is:

http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27602.htm

Ding Ding, see the law quoted above. The problem is what the device is capable of and what you are using it for. If you got it to display GPS all the time you might be able to get away with it.

 

[dpodblood]

Ding Ding, see the law quoted above. The problem is what the device is capable of and what you are using it for. If you got it to display GPS all the time you might be able to get away with it.

Problem with that law is that it's completely outdated, and doesn't take into account current technology.

 

[Lithium381]

Problem with that law is that it's completely outdated, and doesn't take into account current technology.

that's the problem with a lot of laws....outdated

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Cop was on a fishing trip.

 

[MotF Bane]

Cops have laptops in their cars. Fair is fair. :awe:

 

[jlee]

Where was it mounted in the car? If it was high enough to be visible from outside, I'm not too surprised. If it was mounted down low like a head unit..eh.

I know there are laws here that make it so you can't watch videos on a head unit unless the car is in park (for manual, I have no idea). I mean, as long as you're not watching video, you should be fine. Might be good to have no video on the HDD either if you do, just because.

For a MT, I think they're supposed to be wired up to the parking brake circuit.

Cops have laptops in their cars. Fair is fair. :awe:

We also have loaded rifles and sirens...might as well get those too :awe:

 

[MotF Bane]

We also have loaded rifles and sirens...might as well get those too :awe:

Sounds good to me. Sirens and an assault rifle might be the only way to beat traffic.

 

[jtvang125]

Where was it mounted in the car? If it was high enough to be visible from outside, I'm not too surprised. If it was mounted down low like a head unit..eh.



For a MT, I think they're supposed to be wired up to the parking brake circuit.



We also have loaded rifles and sirens...might as well get those too :awe:

It's mounted right around where the stereo generally is on most cars. It's not obstructing my view or cause too much of a distraction while using it at all.

I'll try turning down the brightness so it won't be so noticeable.

 

[XZeroII]

Sounds like he was pretty nice about it at least...

 

[exdeath]

Put GPS up or digital gauges on it with a bluetooth obd adapter; no laws about gauges or navigation.

I'd check your local statutes carefully for technicalities, specifically the description and definition of what constitutes a unallowed video display. If its a PC and clearly not a "video disc player" or however its defined, you win and can say fuck off and sue for harassment if it continues.

When an authority figure like a LEO "recommends" something, it's basically saying it's technically legal and he knows there isn't anything he can do about it. Its the same thing as "recommending" you retreat from your home under invasion because it's the least mess, not because you don't have a right to defend yourself.

Its just a mater of how many times you want to be stopped and go through this if youre not discreet about it. I wouldnt "recommend" driving around with fake pot plants in your rear window, not that it's illegal. Just a matter of how often you want to be harassed

 

[Eli]

LOL.. wonder what they would think about my car.

Between the MIMA display, BCM Gauge, GPS/phone, in temp/out temp/12V voltage display and the car's dash itself, it's a wonder I'm ever able to look at the road...