[SnowbordrWRX]

Now I know you guys aren't gonna be playing some racing game ala F&F while you're at a stoplight, but isn't having a DVD player distracting? If it's only for the passengers I can understand, but the driver really doesn't need to be watching movies. I know DVDs can be used for audio, but I have seen little screens in some people's rides. :-?

 

[ldivinag]

in the state of kalifornia, it is illegal for the driver to see the screen when moving, unless it shows navigation info or car diagnostics...

passenger seat and rear seats can see whatever...

most, if not all, come with a circuit that turns off the screen when the gear isnt in park or a sensor to the speed sensor. the installer should have them wired up correctly.

 

[Yukonart]

Indeed, I believe that law exists in almost every state. I currently have a DVD head unit and two visor screens installed for shows, but it's rarely, if ever, used on a daily basis. Last trip to Vancouver, BC my girlfriend was entertained by a Grip video. . . but I'm not that easily distracted. So for me, no big deal.

Nice thing about the STi. . . it's got 4 doors, which means people CAN and WILL use the backseat, on ocassion. I'm not one for hacking-up Sparcos or Recaros, but a nice ceiling-mounted unit for rear passengers would work just fine. . . especially since there's no chance of picking up an STi from the dealer with a sunroof to muck things up.

 

[SnowbordrWRX]

in the state of kalifornia, it is illegal for the driver to see the screen when moving, unless it shows navigation info or car diagnostics...

passenger seat and rear seats can see whatever...

most, if not all, come with a circuit that turns off the screen when the gear isnt in park or a sensor to the speed sensor. the installer should have them wired up correctly.

That would be good. I wasn't aware that there was a circuit that turns off the screen though.

Indeed, I believe that law exists in almost every state. I currently have a DVD head unit and two visor screens installed for shows, but it's rarely, if ever, used on a daily basis. Last trip to Vancouver, BC my girlfriend was entertained by a Grip video. . . but I'm not that easily distracted. So for me, no big deal

Does your unit not have the above cut-off circuit?

 

[BIG3ETR]

There are ways to get around that bypass. You can buy a swith box that will do the bypass for you. The reason the screen doesn't work while the parking brake is down is because the screen and the A/V receiver are wired directly to the power wire of the parking brake. You can get around this by grounding the 2 wire leads that are to go to the P Brake. This cannot be done by a shop. By law they have to wire it up correctly. You would then have to go rewire them yourself. Then again, by state laws that is illegal.

Jim

 

[Yukonart]

There are ways to get around that bypass. You can buy a swith box that will do the bypass for you. The reason the screen doesn't work while the parking brake is down is because the screen and the A/V receiver are wired directly to the power wire of the parking brake. You can get around this by grounding the 2 wire leads that are to go to the P Brake. This cannot be done by a shop. By law they have to wire it up correctly. You would then have to go rewire them yourself. Then again, by state laws that is illegal.

Jim

Precisely what I did . . . . after I got the car back. It is distracting to have it going while driving. . . which is why I simply don't do that. However, having the ability to do that while a passenger watches is pretty cool. . . and unless it's at night it's really not THAT distracting. During the day you have to really look at the screen to get your attention. At night, it's hard NOT to look at it.

The laws that govern this activity are loosely related to the mobile phone laws that are springing up everwhere that states it's illegal to talk while driving. . . which brings up the arguement that simply having a front seat passenger can be distracting. . . . especially if they're "interacting" with the driver in certain ways. :wink:

At any rate, common sense should rule, here.

1. At all costs, do your best not to play video while driving
2. Use a handsfree or speakerphone feature for mobile phones
3. Try not to get road h**d while on the road (which defeats the purpose)