Chief’s Corner By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department I was recently asked a question about portable electronic devices. For long car rides or family vacations, many people use laptops, tablets, DVD players and other devices to entertain children. These allow people to view movies, television shows, play games, and use many other applications. I was asked to provide information about any restrictions governing the use of these devices in a vehicle. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 13 is the law which covers placement of television screens within vehicles. It states in part. “No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or which is visible to the driver while operating such motor vehicle.” The screen in question cannot be within view of the vehicle operator. It must be located in such a way as to be behind the driver. Any penalty for a violation of this section is a $35 civil fine. The purpose for this law is to limit distractions for the driver. Many vehicles have DVD players mounted on the ceiling behind the front seats. They can also be hung over one of the front seats in such a way as to be visible by the back seat passengers. They are out of view for the driver. Most modern devices can work on batteries or can be plugged into vehicle power outlets rather easily. This makes them portable and easily used in a variety of ways. Many children will hold them on their lap or place them on a seat next to them. They can be used in various locations where children can enjoy them while at the same time; drivers can be kept free and clear of added distractions. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 12:14:19 +0000
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