This article reads like more police harassment, from the caretakers of the Nanny State.
Here's what the MTO website says about GPS units:
4. What is allowed/not allowed under the new law?
A. The ban applies to hand-held wireless communication devices, hand-held
electronic entertainment devices and viewing display screens that are not related
to the driving task.
As a driver, your first responsibility is to drive safely. If you must make a call or use
a wireless device while driving, you may do so in a “hands-free” manner. For
example:
- a cell phone with an earpiece, headset or Bluetooth device using voice dialling,
or plugged into the vehicle’s sound system
- a global positioning system (GPS) device that is properly secured to the
dashboard or windshield.
- a portable audio player (MP3 player) that has been plugged into the vehicle’s
sound system.
Elsewhere on the MTO website it says this:
"The screens on GPS devices may be viewed while driving, provided the device is mounted on the dashboard or secured to another place in the vehicle (for example, on a GPS windshield suction mount not blocking the driver's view, or in a GPS dashboard mount). Typically these units issue voice commands and drivers must input the required information before they start driving."
So.....for GPS units, they must be securely mounted to the windshield. They must not block the driver's view. Nothing, said about the lower left of the windshield being the only acceptable place.
I don't see anything there that supports this cop's opinion that they must be in the lower left of the windshield.
I have mine mounted in the centre, under the mirror....but, as low as it will go. Suctioned cupped to the windshield....with the base of the GPS unit touching and secure against my dashboard, as per the law.
I can see over it as easily in the middle of the dash, as I can with it to the left.
I dare Mark Gatien or any of the cops he commands, to write me up a ticket. If he does.....I'll see him/them in court, where he/they will lose.
Chalk this 'new enforcement' up to more 'revenue generating' from the same Cops that won't hesitate to obstruct justice and operate above the law when it suits them.......which is often.
