ski

This has been coming up a lot, and I decided we should have a discussion about it after seeing kimchicowboy's post about satellite TV.

I don't understand where the line is. Here's the spectrum:

<---- LEAST DISTRACTING ---->
stock radio (no flashing lights or movement)
aftermarket LED head unit (moving "lines")
aftermarket dotmatrix head unit (animations, i.e. Pioneer's mid to high end decks)
aftermarket LCD popup head unit (5 to 7 inch screens, displays track info, maybe some visualizations)
LCD screen with a video source (movie or TV show)
<---- MOST DISTRACTING ---->

where is the line drawn? You can't say that it's illegal to have a screen in the front of the car if you're listening to music and it's playing a visualization, since all aftermarket CD players with all the flashing and animations are totally legal.

What information do we have on this? Discuss.

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Mike_N_Ike

Hehe, this is a good point you bring up.

My guess would be that they allow those cool animation stereo decks because the animation isn't an integral part of the unit - it's just something cool that you can look at if you want to. I know that you could technically say the same for certain functions of a TV, but realistically, a TV meant ot be watched - not just listened to.

I tend to dislike rules like this, and by that I mean rules that have these silly arbitrary lines drawn - but after seeing the way people can (or more often can NOT) drive while holding a phone to their ear, I think that not having TVs in the front may be a good thing.

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Bires

This makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Many DVD navigation systems show 5-10 second animations on when/where to turn...this could easily be a hazardous distraction.

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DarkFury

I'm sure the line is drawn at any "display" that requires your constant attention... i.e. a DVD player or a Television.

I don't think a regular "radio display" would qualify as illegal.

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ray

Would you stare at the animations on your radio for more than 10, 20, 30 seconds? What about Lord of the Rings?

Dave_7

You're not allowed to drive while distracted. I think that's the official stance. That leaves a lot of lattitude for enforcement.

A lot of things can be distracting. Especially something that takes your eyes off the road.

I believe in California, there's going to be some specific law that says no LCD (or other) screens in front of the driver's seatback.



Dave.

Nija

Last I heard there was some overly broad legislation that they were trying to pass through that would ban just about everything that could cause "a distraction". . .

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ray

cell phones, eating, anything that takes your hand off the wheel, lcd screens, etc.

DarkFury

Pay no attention to the distracting pretty lights...

That's just "Johnny Law" in your rear view mirror.

Bires

I was chatting with a cop-friend of mine tonight at a BBQ about this and he said basically your are violating the basic rule (remember the basic rule?) if anything is distracting you, regardless of where it is placed. But he did say:
1. he hates DVD's in cars (anywhere)
2. anything that rises above the dash higher than the gauges in the car is illegal-that includes flip-up (out of the top of the dash) DVD navigation that many car companies offer as options.

Cantacuzene

Most californians are such bad drivers they need as many distractions removed as possible. If its lightly raining and someone turns on an in-dash dvd player, forget about it, thirty car pile up.

bachviet

So FL drivers are so good huh???

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Nija

Florida drivers have a reason for driving like crap, they've been driving since the Model T was invented

SnowSurfer

some of the need lcd screens show vehicle statistics (pioneers new one). I dunno, i wouldnt mind played ps2 while driving and talking on my cell phone and trying to shift while in heavy traffic, i mean come on it isnt that hard...

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Bires

...and some would argue that's your right as an American...

[Homer]
Damn AARP!
[/Homer]

ufcrusher

For Tv's and displays they are only supposed to be active in the front if the parking brake is engaged. Most shops would accidentially disconnect that part so that you can hve it on while its driving....for a little palm grease.

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SnowSurfer

i think porn while driving is a no no...

Bires

one could easily lose one's grip...

bachviet

So you use both hands???