HELP Where can I find info on the LAW

speedy(delboy) · Post by **speedy(delboy)** » Jun 15th, '06, 00:50

I have bought an In-Car twin DVD player for the taxi, and the other night I was stopped by the bill, and he came out with some crap about it being illegal to have a TV in the passenger side of the car.

Now, I have a 7" TV in the back attached to one of the head rests and the other 7" screen in on the passenger side (below the height of the dash board), and I need to know what the Law states about these systems.

This wasnt a traffic copper but just an ordinary Plod

They advertise the system in the booklet with one TV in the front of the car.

Now remember this is not for my watching but for my passengers to watch if on a longer fare or trip.

CAN ANYONE HELP, been looking for ages and still no luck.

Dynasangel · Post by **Dynasangel** » Jun 15th, '06, 06:21

Have you contacted the citizen advice bureau as they will be able to advise you, or ask Kim as she works for a solictor

AndyCBR · Post by **AndyCBR** » Jun 15th, '06, 08:46

According to The Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986:

“ No person shall drive, or cause or permit to be driven, a motor vehicle on a road if the driver is in such a position as to be able to see, whether directly or by reflection, television-receiving apparatus or other cinematographic apparatus used to display other than information:

· About the state of the vehicle or equipment
· About the location of the vehicle and the road on which it’s located
· To assist the driver to see the road adjacent to the vehicle
· To assist the driver to reach his destination”.

So essentially if the screen isn’t displaying navigation, images from reversing cameras or information directly relating to the running of your car, then it needs to be switched off. Or, it should be wired so the screen is deactivated when the handbrake is off – that way you will be legal.

Watching TV while driving isn’t an offence in itself, however, you could be charged with driving without due care and attention.

speedy(delboy) · Post by **speedy(delboy)** » Jun 15th, '06, 08:51

Andy, where did you find this info and do you know if its up to date.

Cheers

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Jun 15th, '06, 09:14

that pepipoo site might be worth a look speedy, but i've heard that one too about not being able to have one where the driver can see it

chris_1127 · Post by **chris_1127** » Jun 15th, '06, 09:15

why was i anonymous there?

A_T · Post by **A_T** » Jun 15th, '06, 09:24

chris_1127 wrote:why was i anonymous there?

Guests can post in this section.... where you logged in Chris ?

chris_1127 · Post by **chris_1127** » Jun 15th, '06, 09:37

ah, probably not

didnt know you could post anonymously

Post by **billinom8s** » Jun 15th, '06, 10:49

other thing u might wanna consider speedy is the copyright issue.
as u are showing the dvds and charging a fee/fare it may be considered as copyright infringement under the public broadcast conditions, thats why lots of coach companies cant show films anymore.

speedy(delboy) · Post by **speedy(delboy)** » Jun 15th, '06, 11:03

billinom8s wrote:other thing u might wanna consider speedy is the copyright issue.
as u are showing the DVDs and charging a fee/fare it may be considered as copyright infringement under the public broadcast conditions, that's why lots of coach companies cant show films anymore.

Yeh I can understand your point Si, but it is also a TV (To which I have a TV Licence), also they are not paying to watch the DVD's it is purely optional, what they are paying for is the actual Journey being made within the taxi itself.

I have just rang Motoring lawyers Dot Com and they believe the plod in question is just being a Pratt, however, they are now going to research the issue and come back to me either today or tomorrow.

Here's Hoping

I think what really grips my shitter is that whilst he was trying to be clever with me, there was a 10 man fight happening about 20 foot away and he didnt even take any notice of it, what a [Censored] whimp.

AndyCBR · Post by **AndyCBR** » Jun 15th, '06, 15:52

Phil,

Further to my earlier 'free' advice something else for you to get your teeth into...

Extracts taken from discussions in the House of Lords about said topic..

Road Vehicles: Television Screens

Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take action to reduce dangers arising from the diversion of the attention of drivers of road vehicles caused by television screens situated in the driver's cab or by the driving seat. [HL2200]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton: Regulations already exist to control the use of a television screen or similar apparatus visible to the driver.

Under Regulation 109 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on a road if the driver is in such a position as to be able to see, whether directly or by reflection, a television screen showing anything other than information:

(a) about the state of the vehicle or equipment;

(b) about the location of the vehicle and the road on which it is located;

(c) to assist the driver to see the road adjacent to the vehicle;

(d) to assist the driver to reach his destination.

14 Jan 2002 : Column WA138

The police already have powers of prosecution for a breach of the regulations. On conviction, the courts may impose a fine of up to £2,500.

This legislation is still current & if PC Plod can fine a driver for eating a KitKat at the wheel I'm pretty sure you would get done for having the TV on in the front whilst driving.

Unless you take extraordinary measures to ensure that the tv screen is screened to prevent glare, reflection or direct viewing by the driver.

Also note the vehicle is still considered as being driven even if it is parked up with the engine running. i.e. you could still technically be prosecuted.

Trust this helps (but then again no one ever listens to me..

)

AndyCBR · Post by **AndyCBR** » Jun 15th, '06, 16:59

Also in answer to the question about the need for a Public Entertainment Licence:

Public Entertainment Licence

Live broadcast entertainment is exempt from the licensing regime. However, if you wish to show recorded entertainment on your TV (using, for example, video or DVD) an authorisation will be required.

The main exemptions (that apply in your case Phil) for the provision of entertainment and entertainment facilities from the requirement for a licence under the Licensing Act are as follows:
· use of television or radio receivers – where entertainment consists of the simultaneous reception and playing of a programme included in a programme service within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (however, showing pre-recorded entertainment would require a licence)
· vehicles in motion – i.e. where the provision of entertainment or entertainment facilities take place (a) on premises consisting of or forming part of a vehicle, and (b) at a time when the vehicle is not permanently or temporarily parked

So you should be ok..

ymfb · Post by **ymfb** » Jun 15th, '06, 19:02

my car has a TV and Satnav built in, if you watch the TV it goes blank when you put the car into gear. Obviously you can still watch the satnav map but my guess is BMW and other car manufacturers work to the letter of the law so to be sure my guess is that you need some form of interlock attached to the gear or hand brake.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Jun 15th, '06, 22:08

ymfb wrote:my car has a TV and Satnav built in, if you watch the TV it goes blank when you put the car into gear.

Flash git, my car has a built in dodgy cassette player...Go over a bump, it turns off...

Maver-Nick · Post by **Maver-Nick** » Jun 15th, '06, 22:11

Anonymous wrote:
ymfb wrote:my car has a TV and Satnav built in, if you watch the TV it goes blank when you put the car into gear.
Flash git, my car has a built in dodgy cassette player...Go over a bump, it turns off...

That was me posted that...Didn't log in...

Goes to show, I probably couldn't operate a posh sat nav or tv any way...