“17.3" Portable Screen Mounted On Dash Legal In Ontario, Canada?”

Hi OTA,

I've mounted a 17.3" iperfect IPS portable monitor which runs samsung dex when connected to the phone (desktop version of android). When driving I diplay GPS info for various apps, uber, lyft, doordash, etc. I navigate the screen with a mouse when safe to.

Is this setup legal in Ontario, Canada? Or is it up to the Police if a ticket will be issued (distracted driving)? I had a cop eye my setup on Yonge street when driving along my car, at the time I was running serveral GPS apps on screen at the same time. She exited Yonge street and got onto the highway ramp. But I don't need a serious ticket if this is indeed illegal, but from my understanding a screen can be used to display GPS info

Here is a pic of the setup. https://pixey.org/p/razz/728003139326814333. Not the best, but was moving at the time.

Highway Traffic Act

Section 78 of the Highway Traffic Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Display screen visible to driver prohibited

78. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway if the display screen of a television, computer or other device in the motor vehicle is visible to the driver.

Exceptions

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of the display screen of,

(a) a global positioning system navigation device while being used to provide navigation information;

(b) a hand-held wireless communication device or a device that is prescribed for the purpose of subsection 78.1 (1);

(c) a logistical transportation tracking system device used for commercial purposes to track vehicle location, driver status or the delivery of packages or other goods;

(d) a collision avoidance system device that has no other function than to deliver a collision avoidance system; or

(e) an instrument, gauge or system that is used to provide information to the driver regarding the status of various systems of the motor vehicle.

Cheers,

rev

Yes, its illegal. The monitor is connected to the phone; it is not part of a stand alone GPS unit. The fact that you are using a phone as the CPU to display information on to the screen illustrates its function. Its irrelevant what apps you decide to put on to the screen; the fact of the matter is that its not a global positioning system navigation device. Moreover, you can't use a mouse while driving.