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From the 'Really, You Couldn't Wait?' Files

By Eric Lipman

The combination of modern technology and moving vehicles has resulted in some new laws being passed and enforced. You got your texting bans, your hands-free phone requirements, now even calls to ban the police themselves, as well as EMS and fire department personnel, from using onboard computers. Most of these activities, though, are only a problem when it's the driver who's engaged in them. How could a passenger's use of gadgets present an issue? Here's how. You could be watching the "Hot and Saucy Pizza Girls" DVD in the backseat. And a state trooper could just happen to be driving in the lane next to you and notice this. If this happens, at least in New York, you'll apparently be charged with Public Display of Offensive Sexual Material. It's just a misdemeanor, so I wouldn't worry about jail time. And you'll have your supporters who, misunderstanding the statute, argue that it's more properly applied to "horny couples deciding to bang in a store front." That sounds more like Public Lewdness to me. But, really, you couldn't wait? First journalist to get an interview with the driver of the vehicle -- drinks are on me.

Full post as published by Legal Blog Watch on March 25, 2010 (boomark / email).