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California Bans Front-Seat Computer Use

Posted by timothy on from the law-is-an-ass dept.

An anonymous reader submits "As of January 1, 2004 the State of California has banned the use of notebook computers used anywhere in the front seat (PDF) of a moving vehicle. Previously, the ban applied just to TV sets. Even if your car-pooling front seat passenger is just doing some programming, you can be charged with a crime (AB 301). Thanks go to CA Assemblymember Sarah Reyes for this well meaning but overly broad piece of legislation." The text is mercifully short, but still contains some tricky language; probably the meaning of "installed" at the very least needs to be clarified. Would a laptop affixed to a installed bracket count? Considering the complexity of modern automotive navigation/control systems (now sneaking into budget vehicles, too), it seems like a very fine distinction. The law would seem to ban handheld computers being used as navigation aids, too, or GPS devices with games, and very soon, nearly all cell phones.

4 of 804 comments (clear)

  1. making a law that is already a law by diablobynight · · Score: 2, Flamebait

    Ummm...if I am not paying attention and get in an accident, jerking off, playing with my cell phone, stairing at the blonde next to me, I cause the accident, I get the ticket. The law already covers this inherently. THe driver that causes the accident gets a ticket. Why is this law even needed?

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    Anonymous Cowards - Oh God, How I hate you
  2. Re:walking is also complex, get rid of walkmens by diablobynight · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    oh and I am well aware of that robot, Honda made great strives, but watch him walk, he is slow and has a terrible time with stairs, it's like watching paint dry. My point is highly difficult to program because of the complexity of bi-pedal motion and yet we find it simple

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    Anonymous Cowards - Oh God, How I hate you
  3. Re:it's about time some one did this by diablobynight · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    No, it's ok I understand, like that research I did for the NSA, CIA and the FBI, that I also can not provide a refence for. Also why did the air force, want to know about driving?

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    Anonymous Cowards - Oh God, How I hate you
  4. Legal? by Atragon · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Have you heard of 'keeping up with traffic'? Apparently not buddy. Driving at 40km/h when the limit is 120 is fucking STUPID. You should have been ticketed for that, it's assholes like you who cause fucking traffic jams.