F5Chaser

Can't tell what the ticket says. I can make out something about the video screen open to driver, but that's it.

From DanF:



"Minnesota law does not actually allow web browsing, or anything of the type to take place. The state statutes have done a pretty good job in defining what you can and can't do with technology in a motor vehicle.

The actual regulatory statute in Minnesota that talks about electronic devices while driving:

Minnesota Statute 169.475:

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For purposes of this section, "electronic message" means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices. An electronic message includes, but is not limited to, e-mail, a text message, an instant message, a command or request to access a World Wide Web page, or other data that uses a commonly recognized electronic communications protocol. An electronic message does not include voice or other data transmitted as a result of making a phone call, or data transmitted automatically by a wireless communications device without direct initiation by a person.

Subd. 2.Prohibition on use.

No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic."

This would include GPS.

John's message summed it up I think - If you're not a dick and the cop's not a dick, you're fine....hopefully.

I've been pulled over 4 times while chasing before (3 times in the same day for a broken headlight, once for speeding on the Spicer tornado day). Each time I've had my laptop open, on, and facing me, and not once has the cop said anything about it and I've never gotten a ticket. I've always been nice and non-confrontational, because that's all I can do. Being a complete jerk to the cop is only going to guarantee your ticket.

And before anyone says it, I'll will admit that I've been VERY VERY lucky in that regard. All it takes is one cop to give you the ticket, and I know I will probably get one eventually. I should have gotten one on the Spicer day...I'm not sure why I didn't.

I'm not going to stop bringing my laptop with me and looking at it during a chase. Are any of you? Probably not. We all love what we do out there and the laptop has become an indispensable tool. I'm sure we'll all just be a little more careful when we're out there not to get caught, and might even use the laptop a little less when we're actually driving and look at it more when we're parked.

JacobT wrote:
John's message summed it up I think - If you're not a dick and the cop's not a dick, you're fine....hopefully.


Agreed. I think Bills warning was for this. Window mounted suction cups, the beads & crap people hang from their rear view mirrors are subject to this one. I was once told during a ride along that given the MN Statues, it's very rare that a law enforcement employee could not find a reason to pull over a suspicious vehicle for one reason or another, if they happen to be a di<k about it (and were not actually smoking crack or something) they will generally just drive off with a minor 3 minute stop or warning.

I have received two warnings chasing, I believe both taillights (I still have problems with my right rear tail light warnings (had major ongoing issues, had the whole assembly replaced)), I do either flip the laptop closed or do an ALT-TAB to the GPS software, my laptop does not obstruct my vision of the windshield. I have had police pull up behind me when I am pulled over for a quick update or radar glance and have enjoyed every encounter so far but, reserve the right to bitch about some a$$ (and I am entirely nice too) ripping me a new one because he is having a bad day or on a power trip. I should also say the office I was riding with is scared crap-less because of how distracting his own laptop is and they often get quite a few dispatches on it(and addl info that is not on the radio), run plates, etc and constantly reminds himself to keep himself focused on driving. (I did ask if I could run some plates, play with the siren, etc and was singing the bad boys tune from cops half the night, it was a nightshift on a summer weekend in the metro and I highly recommend it to be on anyone's bucket list to see what kind of crap they have to deal with sometimes)

Having said that if you happen to drive into a parked car going 60mph killing a family because you were texting/playing a radar loop, etc don't be surprised if you end up going to prison for some type of manslaughter charge. (not to say the prison would suck more than just the thought of causing the deaths/injury of someone)

I intend to have a laptop installed this year.