If I'm standing still at a traffic light can I change the song on my iPod?
By alexanderforrest •
If I'm standing still at a traffic light and I want to change the song playing over my iPod which is connected to the car... is that a traffic violation?
I found this
The driver using or holding a mobile phone or any other device in hand while driving or becoming busy watching any visual object from television set in the vehicle or allowing the children less than 10 years of age to occupy the front seat while driving the vehicle on the road. - QR. 500
I think it is a device, but if I'm standing still I think I should be allowed to change it, right? Also what about reading maps at read lights; which I do a lot of.
If the law specified is anything like that of the UK, which I believe it is. You will not be allowed to change any songs on you i-pod, not even 'I fought the law and the law won'.
Your i-pod IS a device and you ARE driving because you are in control of the car, even if it is at a red traffic light (ATS). If you have been given a ticket it is worth contesting it. However, you may end up paying a bigger fine if the court decides to 'punish' you for wasting police and court time. Good luck.
Map reading is also an offence. Unless parked!!!
I believe that if the engine is running it is considered that you are driving the vehicle, regardless of what speed you're travelling at.
But the fact is that it's highly unlikely you'll get caught. There are people using mobiles in nearly every car I see on the road and there's never anyone around to stop them.
I think the operative words here are "while driving". When you are at a red light you are effectively "parked".
Give it a go and see
just eat another pie