Hardwired Carphones and Anti-Cellphone Laws

[KI4UJO]

This is a question that I have not seen addressed - do laws limiting "mobile phone" use apply to a hardwired in-car phone, which is mounted to the console (and also has a module in the trunk)? Besides the bluetooth conversions that I have done, I'm currently designing a stand-alone phone which would function in the same method as an old-school car phone, except with the internals of a modern smartphone. Essentially, does this fall under the same rules as a cell phone, being that it would actually be part of the car? I realize that this would affect almost no one, but I feel compelled to ask it anyway. My state (TN) has legislation in committee to ban cell phone usage while driving, and it would destroy the purpose of building the phone if I could be ticketed for using it.

r3v, if you're well versed in law, please chime in.

[StereoInstaller1]

I am, in fact, well versed in WA and OR law regarding this particular issue.

The goal of the law is simple: to keep your hands on the wheel. Handsfree is the only legal option.

Any variance from that concept is or will soon be illegal everywhere I would bet.

Dig the idea though!

Luke

[IRON-E]

I'll send what Luke is saying, here in Cali, you'll be paying close to $300 if you're caught using a handset.

[DEV0 E30]

Sounds like you're playing with fire OP. If the laws pass, and you can't make it be hands free you could be essentially shooting yourself in the foot.

I'm very anti-adding more laws than we need, but I'd be all for stricter cell phone laws in Arizona while driving:

http://handsfreeinfo.com/arizona-cell-phone-laws-legislation/

I don't want the cell phone banned when it enters the car, but hands free should be a given. People can't drive without any distractions. Nowadays they have more than just a few.

[15Michaeljoseph]

talking on the phone and driving a 5 speed manny is impossible as it is ;) maybe that's the key to saftey, force people to learn stick!


--sent from my igloo via carrier penguin

[roguetoaster]

talking on the phone and driving a 5 speed manny is impossible as it is ;) maybe that's the key to safety, force people to learn stick!


--sent from my igloo via carrier penguin

It's not impossible, just grossly unsafe as you will be steering with you knee. I have used that as a justification when recommending a manual transmission first car for someones kid, even if it is semi-BS.

[KI4UJO]

Well, it's not a good idea to talk while shifting. This would be used when going at a constant rate of speed, not while shifting. When that situation arises, just lay down the phone and drive.