swilson
EF1
Yup, just like speeding.
Illinois Texting and Internet Surfing Ban
- Thread starter Ryan Wichman
- Start date
David Drummond
Member
Because all vehicles now (well modern one's anyway) have a little black box component to them they can retrieve all the conditions monitored by the vehicle at the time of impact, including the exact time of the accident.
David Wolfson
EF5
I think it's basically reasonable and a good idea, but the loopholes and potential for discriminatory enforcement are what bother me. The way I read the law, if you make sure you have a nav window up, that's a pretty good defense. Unfortunately it's usually a prohibitive hassle to defend against a citation away from home. It would also seem you can do about anything you want with a touch-screen mounted in the dash, attached to a concealed computer.
Tony Perkins
EF2
A chaser around here got a ticket for having a mounted laptop open. It was at night and easily seen. But he had a chase partner in the passenger seat, the mount is in front of the passenger, and the passenger was using it. He got a ticket anyway since it was "visible from the driver" or some crap like that. It may have been a cop targeting chasers, but now at night I keep the lid closed and dark unless I need to peek at something.
swilson
EF1
That, my friend, is why I hate [most] cops, it's one that gives them the bad rap.
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rdale
EF5
Many states have laws which say that any TV / monitor / video display is illegal if the driver can see it.
swilson
EF1
so a GPS is outlawed then huh? cuz it's a 'video display'
Jesse Risley
Staff member
Laptops were already illegal to operate while driving in Illinois under most circumstances per existing legislation: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K12-604.1
Also, check out this amendment that's currently sitting in committee down in Springfield: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/Bil...=SB&LegID=42406&SessionID=76&GA=96&SpecSess=0 (stiffens penalties anywhere from a Class A misdemeanor to as much as a Class 1 felony, depending on certain circumstances).
If you read the text, GPS receivers are specifically exempt. It is the opinion of the Illinois State Police, when I inquired, that laptop screens are considered a "video monitor" and they will cite if they see a laptop open under the circumstances described within the law.
Each law enforcement officer will likely interpret the law differently when it comes to deciding whether or not to cite, especially if you are using the computer solely for a mapping application (e.g. Microsoft Streets and Trips, DeLorme Street Atlas USA, etc.) in conjunction with a GPS unit. In that case, you would probably find yourself trying to beguile the exact wording of this particular code.
Also, check out this amendment that's currently sitting in committee down in Springfield: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/Bil...=SB&LegID=42406&SessionID=76&GA=96&SpecSess=0 (stiffens penalties anywhere from a Class A misdemeanor to as much as a Class 1 felony, depending on certain circumstances).
If you read the text, GPS receivers are specifically exempt. It is the opinion of the Illinois State Police, when I inquired, that laptop screens are considered a "video monitor" and they will cite if they see a laptop open under the circumstances described within the law.
Each law enforcement officer will likely interpret the law differently when it comes to deciding whether or not to cite, especially if you are using the computer solely for a mapping application (e.g. Microsoft Streets and Trips, DeLorme Street Atlas USA, etc.) in conjunction with a GPS unit. In that case, you would probably find yourself trying to beguile the exact wording of this particular code.
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Jesse Risley
Staff member
When it comes to 95% of the John Q. Citizens running about, it's not that hard to net a conviction with a little roadside repartee. Law enforcement officers are generally skilled at asking leading "feeler" questions to help net a conviction should an offender decide to fight to the ticket.
Case in point:
Officer - "What's the hurry this afternoon? Any idea how fast you were going through that 30 mph residential speed zone?"
Citizen - "Uhm..I don't know..probably like 45 mph." (the average person often doesn't even realize they've basically just admitted guilt)
Glenn Dorth
I think citing felonies for driving with a "video screen" in full view of the driver is a little too extreme. But then again, don't we all drive with, "a visual display in full view of a driver in a normal driving position while the motor vehicle is in motion?" Tachometers, speedometers, odometers, and trip computers come to my mind when I think of "visual display". This law is like a plumber telling you that all the plumbing in your house needs to be replaced to fix a simple leak under the kitchen sink. I hope it gets lost in committee.
Jason Foster
I wonder if there are any commercial exceptions to the law. They have done that before, for people like truckers and delivery services, etc.
Also, what about navigation devices. Don't some of them come with bluetooth now with messaging optins?
I'm with Ryan though...I easily see a chaser getting the ticket. Easy to disprove in court or not. Besides...who do you think a judge is going to side with...we all know how that works.
Also, what about navigation devices. Don't some of them come with bluetooth now with messaging optins?
I'm with Ryan though...I easily see a chaser getting the ticket. Easy to disprove in court or not. Besides...who do you think a judge is going to side with...we all know how that works.
Jesse Risley
Staff member
I queried the full-text version of this proposed bill that's sitting in committee, and it only becomes a felony of some degree if another person is physically injured as a result of a motor vehicle operator's use of aforementioned equipment. The severity of the felony charge would be congruous with the severity of any purported "physical injury" to others, ranging from minor injuries (class 4 felony) to a fatality (class 1 felony). The new law that goes into effect January 1st is only a petty offense punishable by up to $100 on the first conviction, so if this proposed legislation actually goes anywhere, it merely gives more teeth to new or existing legislation.
Cody Pryor
.That's why I would really like to see one of the top gps companies like garmon or tom tom make radar a part of there system. It really couldn't be that hard considering most of the up to date units are already bluetooth ready. Why couldn't they use the bluetooth to download live radar? I mean even non-chaser citizens could find that utility handy, I'm suprised truckers havn't demanded it. Lol! Just had to throw my two cents in.
Cody Pryor
Cody Pryor
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rdale
EF5
They've been doing it for almost 5 years now, with XM Weather (Barons service.)
http://www.angelridevideos.com/reviews/Garmin376C.html
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=202093913&listingid=42372191
I use delorme on my laptop and have had no problems with it, maybe I have just been lucky but I also use common sense, don't have the laptop too high to block sight lines, nor do i lock it in view, so I can turn it away when needed...I also keep the brightness turned down to low...
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