Exactly how illegal is playing videos while driving?

Gotadime · 07-19-2008

Hey everyone,

I've recently put a new head unit in my car that allows me to hook up my iPod and play music videos on the 7" screen. I've figured out how to bypass driving locks and effectively play videos while I'm driving. I don't watch them, but it's still nice to have them playing.

The only problem / concern that I have is, how illegal is it to do this? Is this a primary offense (meaning that an officer can pull you over just for playing videos while driving)? What are the repercussions?

It seems like a pretty common thing, but I can't seem to find these answers. Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Gotadime

**jim293** · 07-19-2008

Illegal out here in California and most likely everywhere else as well.

Ian1994 3.8L V6 · 07-20-2008

idk around here in ny but if it is in CA it's probably illegal in ny.

Gotadime · 07-20-2008

Yeah, I know it's illegal, I'm just wondering how illegal it is.

Gotadime · 07-20-2008

I'm also wondering if it's a primary offense or not.

heavy metal · 07-20-2008

I got busted for it,cost me a 120.00 fine.

Gotadime · 07-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavy metal

I got busted for it,cost me a 120.00 fine.

Holy crap. Did you get pulled over just for playing videos while driving or did they get you for speeding or something and then discover the videos?

heavy metal · 07-21-2008

The cop said he pulled me over because he could see the glow inside the car and then he seen the picture.This was a couple of years ago in another car,i had the screen in the passenger sun visor.In court i argued that it was unfair.If i had a Escalade or similiar that came with a dvd,what then?They said if the screen is on and visible to the driver that it is illegal. Hence i got the 120.00 fine,and 80.00 court cost....

Gotadime · 07-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavy metal

The cop said he pulled me over because he could see the glow inside the car and then he seen the picture.This was a couple of years ago in another car,i had the screen in the passenger sun visor.In court i argued that it was unfair.If i had a Escalade or similiar that came with a dvd,what then?They said if the screen is on and visible to the driver that it is illegal. Hence i got the 120.00 fine,and 80.00 court cost....

That's ridiculous. What if you just had navigation on? That's completely legal and he would have had no reason to pull you over. That's also quite a hefty fine for a somewhat minor offense...

gunz4me · 07-21-2008

It is illegal here in Louisiana and any installer who gets caught bypassing the safety features faces a $10,000 fine.

Gotadime · 07-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunz4me

It is illegal here in Louisiana and any installer who gets caught bypassing the safety features faces a $10,000 fine.

Jeez. They're pretty serious about it. Maybe I'll just stop playing the videos.

**jim293** · 07-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavy metal

I got busted for it,cost me a 120.00 fine.

That would deter me from doing it.

Gotadime · 07-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim293

That would deter me from doing it.

Yeah, thats what I say. What a ridiculous fine.

2000MustangGT · 07-26-2008

idk about videos but my friend got pulled over for listening to his music to loud and its a felony. hes gotta pay some money, on probation(cant get any tickets), and has like 100 hours of community service. For listening to his music to loud. BULLSHIT

Gotadime · 07-26-2008

Oh my god. That's insane. He must have really been blasting it.