New Jersey has already taken cell phones and text messaging out of the hands of drivers, and now one legislator hopes to do the same with in-car navigation systems. Democratic State Assemblyman L. Harvey Smith has introduced a bill that would “prohibit the manual operation of a global positioning system (GPS) device or similar navigation device by the operator of a moving motor vehicle”. If passed, the ban would be the first of its kind in the nation. Under the proposed law, drivers would be allowed to only use voice-activated systems to program the devices while a vehicle is in motion. Although this feature is becoming more common, devices that offer it typically cost significantly more than ones that don’t. For example, according to Garmin’s website, the least expensive automotive GPS system currently sold by the popular brand costs $199, while the cheapest one with voice activation, the Nüvi 855, is priced at $399. Violators of the law would face the same $100 fine per offence that applies to improper cell phone use. Fox.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hey Driver, You May Have To Leave That GPS Device Alone
New Jersey has already taken cell phones and text messaging out of the hands of drivers, and now one legislator hopes to do the same with in-car navigation systems. Democratic State Assemblyman L. Harvey Smith has introduced a bill that would “prohibit the manual operation of a global positioning system (GPS) device or similar navigation device by the operator of a moving motor vehicle”. If passed, the ban would be the first of its kind in the nation. Under the proposed law, drivers would be allowed to only use voice-activated systems to program the devices while a vehicle is in motion. Although this feature is becoming more common, devices that offer it typically cost significantly more than ones that don’t. For example, according to Garmin’s website, the least expensive automotive GPS system currently sold by the popular brand costs $199, while the cheapest one with voice activation, the Nüvi 855, is priced at $399. Violators of the law would face the same $100 fine per offence that applies to improper cell phone use. Fox.
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6 comments:
This is highway robery and the sponsor of this bill is a first class moron.He should be voted out of office ASAP.HOW ABOUT GETTING A VOICE ACTIVATED RADIO TOO.These liberal poloticians are getting out of hand is he willing to reimburse all those that don't have this style GPS?
what about oif u don't live in nj but pass through?
to June 24, 2009 9:09 AM:
it is a legitimate concern, they banned cell phone use and texting while driving because texting takes your eyes off the road where they belong and talking on the phone while driving is not a function most people can preform without endangering others (actually most people can't drive around here when they don't have the cell glued to their ear either) so it is not unreasonable to make you pull over and park to program your destination into a GPS or purchase a hands free one, oh and YES people who DRIVE THROUGH NJ are subject to OUR LAWS
anon 9:09
your a hypocrite u bet you drive talking on the phone yet u like sucking up to the authrities and pretending to be a law abiding citizen.
anon @ 10:01
according to your lofic a radio should be voice activated also
It's just amazing that none of these politicians or law enforcement officers have ever stopped using their cell phones while driving! Ity's like Obama's new legislation targeting tobbaco companies while he himself is a heavy smoker. Not that any of these are not valid concerns. Hypocrisy is just also a valid concern!
Many people drive using there cell phones in Lakewood and surrounding areas. Its just a safety issue. Especially in School Zones where there are people crossing and even crossing guards on duty. People just need to pay attention and work together to save lives and keep children safe who play on our streets
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