Legalities of using/touching a mounted tablet as a GPS ?

[maulbeagle Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maulbeagle]

Hi everyone,
Firstly, apologies if this has been discussed somewhere, I couldn't find it.
With all the fuss lately about using mobile phones while driving (which I agree with), does anyone have any links to solid information about whether or not one can use a tablet as a GPS and if so, what type of mount is acceptable ?
I'm in WA so WA law would be ideal but any Australian stuff would be interesting.

Thanks !

[kenny5000 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close kenny5000]

I don't think you are technically allowed to use any GPS whilst driving be it tablet based or otherwise although the link is sketchy on GPS.


http://www.keepyoureyesontheroad.org.au/pages/WA-laws

[maulbeagle Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maulbeagle]

thanks for the link kenny5000, from that:

Visual Display Units (e.g. a GPS unit or other navigational device) must either be:

- An integrated part of the vehicle design; or

- Secured in a commercially designed mounting, affixed to the vehicle while it is being used.

so I guess a ram mount or similar should be OK.

[kenny5000 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close kenny5000]

And a WA gov link

http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/Documents/L...ile-phones-faq

[Yabbie76 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Yabbie76]

As long as the tablet is mounted, and affixed to that mount whilist using it, you can use a GPS or even a phone 'navigational system'. Examples are in the legislation below.
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/w...0113/s264.html

However, if something occurred whilst using it i'm sure there would be numerous other legislation for failing to maintain proper control of a motor vehicle, like there is here in SA.

[maulbeagle Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maulbeagle]

hmmm from the 2nd link kenny5000 posted:

Using the GPS function of a mobile phone
The GPS function of a mobile phone may be used by a driver while driving as long as:
• the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle; and
• the driver does not touch the phone (including the keypad or screen) at any time while driving.
Unless the GPS function can be activated and programmed without touching the phone using the GPS
function on a mobile phone will require the vehicle to be legally parked at the time the driver turns the
GPS function on, programs or resets the GPS, and turns the GPS function off.

so you can look at and listen to the GPS function of a mobile (and I assume tablet) but not touch it. so no reprogramming routes etc.