Is a mounted tablet legal for the driver?

AdrianC

scotsbob wrote: »

I'm interested in knowing the answer to the OPs question, "is a mounted tablet legal?"

I've read 30 responses and am none the wiser, could someone please give the correct answer.

If you're suggesting my answers in posts #3 and #8 are wrong, please explain.

Herzlos

scotsbob wrote: »

I'm interested in knowing the answer to the OPs question, "is a mounted tablet legal?"

It's identical to a mounted phone.

If you're using it as a satnav, without touching it, it's legal.
If you're using it as an MP3 player, without touching it, it's legal.

If you're using it for email/text, it's illegal.

Even when legal, you can still be pulled over for dangerous/careless driving if using it and your driving suffers.

Stationary in traffic still counts as driving, so still illegal (and potentially dangerous).

If you must have access to email on the go, pull over somewhere or hire a secretary to check for you.

RS2000.

Herzlos wrote: »

It's identical to a mounted phone.

If you're using it as a satnav, without touching it, it's legal.
If you're using it as an MP3 player, without touching it, it's legal.

If you're using it for email/text, it's illegal.

Even when legal, you can still be pulled over for dangerous/careless driving if using it and your driving suffers.

Stationary in traffic still counts as driving, so still illegal (and potentially dangerous).

If you must have access to email on the go, pull over somewhere or hire a secretary to check for you.

If it's not hand held and your driving doesn't suffer because you're stationary, why is it illegal?

neilmcl

RS2000. wrote: »

If it's not hand held and your driving doesn't suffer because you're stationary, why is it illegal?

Define stationary? Parked up with the engine off or stationary in traffic with engine running.

AdrianC

RS2000. wrote: »

If it's not hand held and your driving doesn't suffer because you're stationary, why is it illegal?

It wouldn't be.

Herzlos

RS2000. wrote: »

If it's not hand held and your driving doesn't suffer because you're stationary, why is it illegal?

Because you're still deemed to be in control of the vehicle even if it's not moving. Strictly speaking you'd need to be parked with the engine off in order to no longer be driving, but I'm sure if you were in a marked parking bay it'd be OK.

As discussed, it's still dangerous to read stuff on your device when stopped in traffic, and people have been ticketed for it.

RS2000.

Herzlos wrote: »

Because you're still deemed to be in control of the vehicle even if it's not moving. Strictly speaking you'd need to be parked with the engine off in order to no longer be driving, but I'm sure if you were in a marked parking bay it'd be OK.

As discussed, it's still dangerous to read stuff on your device when stopped in traffic, and people have been ticketed for it.

No, you're not you're driving.

If it's not handheld and it's not effecting your driving what's the offence then? I don't think there is one and I therefore cannot see why a ticket could be issued.

RS2000.

AdrianC wrote: »

It wouldn't be.

👍 exactly.

Alter_ego

I think if you dig deep enough into the law you will find they usually say "While in charge of a motor vehicle" rather than "Driving" On that basis I have been advised that even pulling over to answer a mobile (whilst in the driving seat) is an offence if the policeman says it is.

RS2000.

Alter_ego wrote: »

I think if you dig deep enough into the law you will find they usually say "While in charge of a motor vehicle" rather than "Driving" come on then find us the link, you'll find you're actually still driving. On that basis I have been advised that even pulling over to answer a mobile (whilst in the driving seat) is an offence if the policeman says it is.

Police are there to enforce the law not make it up.