DVD earth wiring...legal or not?
Discussion
I've just replaced the factory head unit on my Boxster with a double-unit with built in bluetooth, DAB, DVD etc. Let me get one thing crystal clear...I am a sensible middle aged bloke, and I would not for one second even think about driving along watching a DVD on the head unit as that would be utterly moronic.
However, to save me taking the entire interior to bits, I've taken the "handbrake sensor" wire down to earth. This wire is designed to prevent muppets watching DVDs unless the handbrake is on and the vehicle stationary, however by taking it to earth the unit does have full functionality regardless of the handbrake position.
However, I know in some countries (Australia for example) this is a massive illegal no-no in it's own right, and you'd potentially face prosecution if your vehicle was found to be wired in this way.
What is the situation in the UK? Is it legal to have the unit wired in as I have done it?
Again, for the record, I would NEVER watch DVDs whilst driving, and in fact when I get the interior trim panels resprayed (factory colour of course) in the summer I'll probably run the wire down to the handbrake anyway.
However, to save me taking the entire interior to bits, I've taken the "handbrake sensor" wire down to earth. This wire is designed to prevent muppets watching DVDs unless the handbrake is on and the vehicle stationary, however by taking it to earth the unit does have full functionality regardless of the handbrake position.
However, I know in some countries (Australia for example) this is a massive illegal no-no in it's own right, and you'd potentially face prosecution if your vehicle was found to be wired in this way.
What is the situation in the UK? Is it legal to have the unit wired in as I have done it?
Again, for the record, I would NEVER watch DVDs whilst driving, and in fact when I get the interior trim panels resprayed (factory colour of course) in the summer I'll probably run the wire down to the handbrake anyway.
Guys
A difference of opinions here...may I ask if anyone is BiB/traffic and this is fact rather than opinion?
TBH I doubt I will ever use the DVD function regardless of location or motion! I bought the unit so I can connect my phone for handsfree calling and music/nav access and get DAB radio. I suspect even if I was parked up somewhere, watching a film would kill the battery anyway.
Only reason I needed to connect the wire was to upload data from USB, as it needs to be "brake on" for this function too. I don't even listen to music that much...I tend to prefer the flat six howling as my soundtrack anyway!!
A difference of opinions here...may I ask if anyone is BiB/traffic and this is fact rather than opinion?
TBH I doubt I will ever use the DVD function regardless of location or motion! I bought the unit so I can connect my phone for handsfree calling and music/nav access and get DAB radio. I suspect even if I was parked up somewhere, watching a film would kill the battery anyway.
Only reason I needed to connect the wire was to upload data from USB, as it needs to be "brake on" for this function too. I don't even listen to music that much...I tend to prefer the flat six howling as my soundtrack anyway!!
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff