is it legal to have a netbook installed at windshield in car?

[dealcatcher]

is it legal to have a netbook installed at dashboard in car?

[UrbanPoet]

its illegal to have anything obstructing your windshield... It depends how exactly you do it...

IT could also be percieved as illegal... with the new "no texting/email, cell phone calls" law.

[gordholio]

is it legal to have a netbook installed at dashboard in car?

Use your computer at home.

[sixer]

You can't have anything on your windshield and all those gps you see on the dash, they're illegal and will get ticketed if a cop for example pulls them over for speeding or anyone other reason they see fit.

[yao416]

You drive a Crown Vic.?

[UrbanPoet]

Ohh.. you said DASH BOARD, yet your title says WINDSHIELD...

Then no that doesnt seem illegal. I imagine something more like where your audio controls are... But if i was a cop I would try to ticket you for impersonating a police officer if you're one of those kooky weirdo's that drives around a police auction crown victoria's that are made to look like cop cars....

[slim_shady]

...all those gps you see on the dash, they're illegal and will get ticketed if a cop for example pulls them over...

I call BS (in Ontario anyway) -- proof?

[sienna owner]

I call BS (in Ontario anyway) -- proof?

actually remember some news station reporting that it was in fact illegal for them to have it on obstructing....

[slim_shady]

actually remember some news station reporting that it was in fact illegal for them to have it on obstructing....

Link?

[Flyer]

I call BS (in Ontario anyway) -- proof?
73. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway,

(a) with any sign, poster or other non-transparent material or object placed on the windshield or on any window of such motor vehicle; or

(b) with any object placed in, hung on or attached to the motor vehicle,

in a manner that will obstruct the driver’s view of the highway or any intersecting highway. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 73 (1).

[CheapScotsman]

Here is an article directly referencing both the law as flyer outlined above AND GPS units: http://www.wheels.ca/Columns/article/268935

[npinc]

Interesting about the GPS.. I was pulled over a while back with the GPS in plain view on the windshield. My fiancee was pulled over on the highway by an OPP officer. Neither even mentioned it, never mind handing us a ticket.

[slim_shady]

73. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway,

(a) with any sign, poster or other non-transparent material or object placed on the windshield or on any window of such motor vehicle; or

(b) with any object placed in, hung on or attached to the motor vehicle,

in a manner that will obstruct the driver’s view of the highway or any intersecting highway. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 73 (1).

Read the bold part -- they're only illegal if they obstruct your view... well duh! That's not the same as saying all GPS systems on your dash are illegal. :rolleyes:
It is quite possible to mount out of the way so they don't block your view.

[l69norm]

is it legal to have a netbook installed at dashboard in car?

It depend what you are using it for. For most stuff, it's illegal now in ON. I think it came in at the same time as the new ON cellphone law. The previous ON law covered only televisions in the driver's vision (i.e. computer is not a television).

The new law covers any type of display not directly related (and dedicated) to the operation of the motor vehicle (i.e. GPS, dispatch terminals, car monitors, etc). The netbook would only be allowed to have full dedicated GPS displays, car diagnostics, etc.

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm#BK128

Display screen visible to driver prohibited

78. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway if the display screen of a television, computer or other device in the motor vehicle is visible to the driver. 2009, c. 4, s. 1.

Exceptions

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of the display screen of,

(a) a global positioning system navigation device while being used to provide navigation information;

(b) a hand-held wireless communication device or a device that is prescribed for the purpose of subsection 78.1 (1);

(c) a logistical transportation tracking system device used for commercial purposes to track vehicle location, driver status or the delivery of packages or other goods;

(d) a collision avoidance system device that has no other function than to deliver a collision avoidance system; or

(e) an instrument, gauge or system that is used to provide information to the driver regarding the status of various systems of the motor vehicle. 2009, c. 4, s. 1

[Ebola]

Interesting about the GPS.. I was pulled over a while back with the GPS in plain view on the windshield. My fiancee was pulled over on the highway by an OPP officer. Neither even mentioned it, never mind handing us a ticket.

If those stops occured before the last week of October this year, then nothing would have been made of it, because it wasn't an HTA offence before that. Now it can be.

[lagos]

Is it legal? No!

Does any care if you install it?
Not unless you did some other offence such as speeding.

I would say go ahead and do it but try driving under the radar

[Matty]

You can't have anything on your windshield and all those gps you see on the dash, they're illegal and will get ticketed if a cop for example pulls them over for speeding or anyone other reason they see fit.

I'm not sure this is right. I heard (I think it was Ian Law or Eric Lai's (name escaping me) weekly piece in the Star) that an item such as a GPS mustn't block the view of the roadway, specifically. My GPS, attached to a suction mount on my windshield, blocks absolutely 0% of anything other than my own hood.

[golden]

Do it and post a photo. I wonder how anyone can mount a netbook on the dash effectively. And why? Get a GPS for nav and iPod for music.

Anyway, regarding GPS and iPod with the new law. If both are mounted on dash, is it illegal to use them when I stop at red light?

[Jon Lai]

Do it and post a photo. I wonder how anyone can mount a netbook on the dash effectively. And why? Get a GPS for nav and iPod for music.

Anyway, regarding GPS and iPod with the new law. If both are mounted on dash, is it illegal to use them when I stop at red light?

I believe so because the car is in operation. If you're in a call, you're not going to immediately hang up before pressing on the pedals again.

[slim_shady]

Anyway, regarding GPS and iPod with the new law. If both are mounted on dash, is it illegal to use them when I stop at red light?

Unlike what others are claiming in this thread, GPS is not illegal, as long as it's "properly secured to the dashboard"

CBS News (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2008/10/28/cell-phones.html)
Globe & Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/ontario-cellphone-ban-begins/article1337687/)
CTV News (http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20081027/ontario_cellphone_081028/20081028?hub=TorontoHome)
680news (http://www.680news.com/news/headlines/more.jsp?content=20091025_102120_7508)
Toronto Star Q&A (http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/handhelddrivingban/article/716137--q-a-on-new-cellphone-law)

[dealcatcher]

what about this?

http://www.netbookchoice.com/2009/10/25/nbc-universal-7-to-13-netbook-car-mount-review/

[dmpP]

Unlike what others are claiming in this thread, GPS is not illegal, as long as it's "properly secured to the dashboard"

CBS News (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2008/10/28/cell-phones.html)
Globe & Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/ontario-cellphone-ban-begins/article1337687/)
CTV News (http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20081027/ontario_cellphone_081028/20081028?hub=TorontoHome)
680news (http://www.680news.com/news/headlines/more.jsp?content=20091025_102120_7508)
Toronto Star Q&A (http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/handhelddrivingban/article/716137--q-a-on-new-cellphone-law)

+1 (almost)

You can have the GPS properly mounted, but you must program your trip before driving.

I was getting furious about all these posts saying it's illegal... on Oct 25th I read the documentation on the MTO's website about the new law...

People! Gather around! DON'T MAKE STATEMENTS THAT YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVEN'T DONE YOUR RESEARCH ON!

As long as it's properly mounted, you can use it. That's the law.

Right from the MTO website...
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/exemptions.shtml

[Jon Lai]

+1 (almost)

You can have the GPS properly mounted, but you must program your trip before driving.

I was getting furious about all these posts saying it's illegal... on Oct 25th I read the documentation on the MTO's website about the new law...

People! Gather around! DON'T MAKE STATEMENTS THAT YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVEN'T DONE YOUR RESEARCH ON!

As long as it's properly mounted, you can use it. That's the law.

Right from the MTO website...
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/exemptions.shtml

Wait, I thought it was, you can mount it, you just can't use it while the car is in operation?!

[dmpP]

Wait, I thought it was, you can mount it, you just can't use it while the car is in operation?!

from the way I read it...
you can have it mounted, and look/listen, but you can't touch it...

[l69norm]

from the way I read it...
you can have it mounted, and look/listen, but you can't touch it...

+1
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/exemptions.shtml

The screens on GPS devices may be viewed while driving, provided the device is mounted on the dashboard or secured to another place in the vehicle (for example, on a GPS windshield suction mount not blocking the driver's view, or in a GPS cup holder mount). Typically these units issue voice commands and drivers must input the required information before they start driving.

[ES_Revenge]

Ha netbook secured to the windshield (or dash)! :lol: This is even more ghetto than the suction-cup GPS. I mean yeah sure if you want to make your car a ghetto superstar, by all means...

The new law covers any type of display not directly related (and dedicated) to the operation of the motor vehicle (i.e. GPS, dispatch terminals, car monitors, etc). The netbook would only be allowed to have full dedicated GPS displays, car diagnostics, etc.

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm#BK128

Display screen visible to driver prohibited

78. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway if the display screen of a television, computer or other device in the motor vehicle is visible to the driver. 2009, c. 4, s. 1.

Exceptions

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of the display screen of,

(a) a global positioning system navigation device while being used to provide navigation information;

(b) a hand-held wireless communication device or a device that is prescribed for the purpose of subsection 78.1 (1);

(c) a logistical transportation tracking system device used for commercial purposes to track vehicle location, driver status or the delivery of packages or other goods;

(d) a collision avoidance system device that has no other function than to deliver a collision avoidance system; or

(e) an instrument, gauge or system that is used to provide information to the driver regarding the status of various systems of the motor vehicle. 2009, c. 4, s. 1

What I don't understand about this law is it totally seems to overlook screens used for other purposes. What about screens that are there for the purpose of displaying car audio information (like radio tuning, CD/MP3/music playback)? I guess that climate controls, seat heaters, and the like, would be included in the "various systems of the motor vehicle" so that's covered. But just regular radio/audio operation, that's not really a "system" of the vehicle is it? I guess the sound system? :confused: But at the same time isn't the screen also a screen of a "television, computer or other device?

Then what about operation? What's the difference in someone touching a screen to change the volume, radio station, CD track, etc., and someone touching a screen to do something on their GPS like zoom, move the map, etc.? What's the difference between looking up a telephone number on the screen to make a phonecall and punching in an address for the GPS? Very, very strange wording and distinctions here.

I mean apparently (as someone was pulled over for this on another thread) you can't operate or "program" your GPS while you are stopped at a light (you have to be like off the road in a parking lot or something). But if I want to look up an artist or album on my screen that's allowed I guess? Personally I don't start trying to navigate albums/tracks on a touchscreen while I'm driving along (bad idea), but at a light that's certainly fair game. I can imagine getting pulled over for it though, but it senses no make. That's like saying you can't use your car stereo while driving either, that you have to pull over into a parking lot to do so. As if people are going to do that.

What I mean to say is why can't you program your GPS while at a red light for example? What's the difference between doing that and doing something with your audio system/controls? Really there is no difference. About the same amount of concentration is required, which I agree is too much for while you are driving, but I don't get what's wrong with it when you're stopped and still on the road?

And then what about the "vehicle systems" bit? The climate controls in some cars where they are on the touchscreen ( : cough : Jaguar : cough : ) can be just as distracting to operate as a GPS, but yet it seems operating them would be fair game while driving, whereas a GPS is not. Neither is safe, but how does one get allowed and the other not?

Seems like the law is a little vague on what is and isn't acceptable.