California Vehicle Code (CVC) 27602 makes it clear that drivers must not be distracted by video screens and TVs meant for entertainment or that can be used for business purposes. These types of screens must not be within view of the driver.
What Type of TV Screens Are Illegal in My Car in California?
California’s vehicle laws about screens and video monitors don’t generally prohibit their presence in cars, but they do govern where they can be placed.
Most video screens found in a vehicle must be out of the line of sight of the driver. DVD players w/displays and TV receivers can generally be mounted anywhere behind the front seat.
California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 27602 goes into what’s permissible in California cars:
“(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications, is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at a point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is operating and the monitor, screen, or display is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.”
What Type of Screens Are Legal for California Drivers?
Subdivision (b) of CVC § 27602 does go into the types of screens that are okay for drivers. They include devices used for motorist information and navigation.
These types of devices would generally be legal for drivers to have in view:
- Informational displays
- GPS display
- Mapping display
- Rear-view camera screens and views from other directions outside the car
- A cell phone if it’s mounted properly
TV screens or video monitors in the front seat are also allowed if they meet a few guidelines. The TV must have some sort of locking device that makes them only display the information mentioned above. The screen can also have a safety feature that prevents the driver from seeing what’s on the screen.
What Is the Punishment for California Drivers Who Have a Screen in View?
California officers are permitted to stop and ticket drivers caught watching mobile video devices. However, the screen must be on for a violation to occur.
Drivers can be hit with distracted driving citations. Local courts will decide the penalty, but fines could be in the hundreds of dollars. If the distraction of a video monitor is found to have contributed to a serious accident, drivers could even face jail time.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident on a California road involving a serious injury, you should talk over your case and your options with a California Car Accident Lawyer at Maison Law. If your crash was caused by a driver who was distracted by a TV screen or any other device, they should be fully supporting your recovery.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. It’s a chance to determine how much a reckless driver should be providing to you. Let us go over what your case is worth and how to best hold a car insurance company fully accountable.
