Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

Funny, given TomTom HD Traffic uses GSM. Hmm, and some cars even have GSM+GPS on-board against theft. I suppose if the car also has on-board navigation both the alarm with GSM and the on-board navigation could be considered 'part of the car'.

Oh, how pathetic. Just make it a rule that if someone was distracted during driving (because of reading a magazine, make up, sitting upside down, brushing teeth, changing clothes in car (starts at 4:00)) he is responsible for any inconvenience he may cause...

Because while in a traffic queue people do all kind of pathetic things here in NL. Whole newspapers are read. I'm sure the same is true in Oz. And why not. As long as you sometimes connect again with the good ol' long queue...

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

The former does not constitute a probable cause, so the driver would still need to give consent because a search warrant would be required. So there is actually protection from this kind of fishing expeditions. Most drivers don't know that though.

Now, if the cop looks in the car and sees 'NOKIA' on the device, yes then he can argue Nokia makes (smart)phones not standalone navigation systems... :D

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

In the US it does. We have the Supreme Court to thank for broadening the term. :rolleyes:

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

Since when? Is this outdated?

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

They do make those too.

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

There are quite a few laws that aren't exactly 100% accurate, they are more designed to be used with a little flexibility.

Don't know whether it is a myth or not, but I heard there is a local by-law in York (UK) that you can kill a Frenchman from the city walls with a crossbow.... Crazy I know, why would you use a crossbow and not a long bow ;-)

But my point is I'm not sure how enforceable that would be anyway, if the device didn't impair driving.

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

Tex, you wouldnt be speaking from experience about that marijuana in the ashtray would ya? LOL

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

Nope. Never smoked it. No problem with those who do though.

Re: Using mobile phones (like the N900) for in-car navigation to be illegal in Austra
 

I highly doubt that this is the case. The law is meant to stop people SMSing or taking photos with their phone (i.e. touch it). It is not meant to stop the phone sitting on your dash, effectively running a screensaver. By your definition of 'use', you are 'using' your phone whenever it is turned on - because it makes you available for others to call, therefore providing functionality. I agree that people should not interact with their phone when driving, for whatever reason. but following a preset GPS route does not require interaction.

Besides, how is the cop going to know? if you have your phone in a holder on the dash (which is legal). Its not like he's going to notice unless you start fiddling with it, rerouting while he's handing you your speeding ticket (which would be extremely stupid)