Addicted to that GPS navigation system? On Connecticut roads, that might make you a lawbreaker.
With technology often moving more quickly than bureaucracy, state legislators are updating laws that bar drivers from having video display screens within their line of sight.
The laws, originally intended to prevent distractions from televisions and video devices, went into effect before the proliferation of portable GPS navigation units. But because their screens include moving images beyond simply text, they technically could be interpreted as violating the law — though police say they certainly are not lurking with their ticket books to spot and cite GPS users.
“They certainly are a fact of life on our roads and do require a certain amount of attention, but I don’t think they’re terribly distracting as long as drivers are responsible about it,” said state police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance.
Under current law, Connecticut drivers cannot have moving video images within their view. That bars them from watching portable televisions, DVD players, video iPods and other devices.
The General Assembly’s transportation committee endorsed updates in March to specifically exempt navigation units, rearview backup video monitors and similar factory-installed devices as long as they are used properly.
The updates require full General Assembly approval before taking effect.
State legislatures throughout the U.S. have struggled with the challenge of anticipating technology as they update their laws. It’s led to a proliferation of cell phone use restrictions over the years, along with laws to ban text-messaging on phones and similar devices while driving.
The original laws on in-car video displays stemmed from increasing reports in the late 1990s and current decade about drivers being caught watching movies on their laptop computers and portable DVD players. Some also have had video screens set up within their line of sight so they could watch whatever their back seat passengers were…