Legality of Intercom Systems for Car Use

[michaeljclark]

I'm wondering if a legal beagle or a BiB could let me know if Intercom Systems are actually legal. I was looking at: http://www.autocom.co.uk/Systems/ for a comms system (and also to protect our ears) whilst the other half and I are out and about in my Caterham 7, which is "exposed" to the elements.

I was talking to a biker nut here in the office, who said he was told by a fellow biker nut (who happened to be a BiB) that they are NOT legal to use on Bikes whilst on the road (which is the primary market) as you may not hear emergency service's sirens etc etc. As the Caterham is "exposed" and just a tad noisy many fellow owners have AutoCom/StarCom systems to allow for conversation and to protect their ears from the engine/wind noise.

But I'm not sure how that differs from wearing ear plugs or indeed why they (the intercom systems) are sold if they are illegal, I don't really want to spend a load of cash on a system that will get me in trouble!!

Hopefully the above makes sense

Cheers

Mike

[donteatpeople]

I’d also wonder why they are used by motorcycle instructors, pupils and examiners during training and the test if they are not legal.

[macd355]

They are used in every rally car in the land, otherwise you'd be deaf within 5 minutes. I don't see them being illegal.

[michaeljclark]

I'm just going by what my Biking mad mate says here in the office.

It could be complete tosh as far as I'm concerned, but thought I'd ask

Re learner bike riders: Good Point

Rallying: Normally held on closed roads I guess

[Tunku]

You can even buy helmets with bluetooth and intercom built in now. Definately legal.

[tvradict]

michaeljclark said:

Rallying: Normally held on closed roads I guess

Apart from when they are travelling between stages on public roads. I would say your mates BiB source is wrong.

There is no law stopping someone listening to their iPod through headphones on a bike, whats the difference?

Edited by tvradict on Monday 10th January 15:20

[michaeljclark]

Ah in case it matters, I'l looking at a Stereo system, not just a system with a speaker for one ear!

Dunno if that makes a difference or not?

Mike

[mel]

Slap your mate and ask him exactly how he thinks a DSA Pursuit Test is conducted for bikes and has been for the last 21 years!

[covboy]

How do Police Motorcyclists communicate ?

[michaeljclark]

Are the DSA and Police systems MONO (ie one ear) or STEREO (both ears)

Becuase I guess that if you've only got one ear in use with your comms system, the other is free to listen for Horns, Sirens etc?

Anyway I'll take it from the responces that they are all good and OK

Mike