mobile video Disclaimer

I just wanted to find out if anybody out there makes people sign disclaimers when they install mobile video systems, I just installed one and it is functional when the vehicle is running due to the fact that it plays mp3s as well as dvds, is there anybody that can help me create one to waive my liability? thanks

-steve

Well if you are going to make a habit of installing them this way (being able to see video from the drivers seat when moving) you need to contact a lawyer to have this drawn up. The reason I say this is because every state is different. For the most part it is illegal to have a monitor operating in view of the driver and it would be easy to point the finger at you.

-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

This raises the same questions that many people have about remote starter's on manual transmission vehicles. The manufacturer has disclaimer's on the installation guide, the box & also warns the installer about the potential dangers of installing a remote starter designed for an automatic in a manual transmission vehicle. This applies to the mobile video world as well and if a scape goat is needed in a law suit, sure enough it will be the installer.

I would tie the system into the parking brake system and if the customer wants to be able to drive and watch a movie, tell him that you can show him how to do it, but he/she will have to do the actual connection.

-------------
Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

just wondering how do you put a remote start on a manual...i thought you had to press the clutch in ...i just don't get it.

I dont think a waiver is a great idea, it shows in paper that you installed the equipment illegally and that you know it illegal. Maybe if the waiver states that they will not drive the vehicle on the road it would be better but i dont think that would even hold up in court if a lawsuit came about.

Velocity, even by installing it correctly and showing or telling them how to hook it up to bypass it is just the same as if you were to do it for them, they can still point the finger at you "He showed me how to do it". 

Xetemes is right, if it is illegal in the state you are in even by making them sign a waiver only proves that "you" the installer broke the law by improperly installing it so they could view it while driving. The best way to CYA is to install it according to the laws of your state.

I live in GA, and currently there is no law against having a front mounted monitor playing video while the vehicle is in motion. One shop I used to work for would only hook up a monitor up front for viewing purposes if the customer paid cash only and got NO install receipt. The shop I work at now we hook it up for front viewing and the customer is informed by our sales people about the risks and dangers of viewing it while driving but there is no waiver they have to sign. It is risky but our shop owner says that since there is no law against it then there is no need for a waiver and it is the customers responsibility to use it wisely. His analogy is like this, a customer buys a Ferrari which is capaple of speeds over 175 mph, if the customer chooses not to use common sense and gets pulled over for such a speed or has a wreck and kills someone at a high speed then the customer is the one responsible NOT Ferarri,  just because they made the car capable of that speed they are not responsible for how fast someone goes, just the same with mobile video from our shop,if we make video up front capable of use and it IS legal in our state, and  the customer chooses to use it in an unsafe manner that causes them to be in a wreck that is the customers responsibilty.

-------------
My mechanic told me, "I couldn't fix your brakes, so I made your horn louder"

Well, you could always use the good 'ol "For Show Use Purposes Only" excuse *lol*. I've installed a couple here, smaller systems. Since one unit is for a Audio Display, that can be in view and legal, but if it goes into a Video Mode (DVD, Aux AV in), it's supposed to not work until parking brake is on (typical stuff). My thinking is this. Put a switch on the grounded parking brake wire, hidden, so if you get pulled over, flip the switch and SHOW the officer that you couldn't be watching a movie, since the system "won't" let you. Tell him you were changing the channel or something. Seriously though, I agree that even though you install it, it is the CUSTOMER'S responsibilty to use it safely and wisely. For example, Pyle mobile DVD players and monitors have no such limits (p. brake). So if a customer buys one from me and hooks it up himself, and gets a ticket, not my problem. I inform every customer about the road-going regulations here in NY. That's as far as I can go. Just my .02

-------------
I had bad credit. Anyone have any they can loan me? lol