Re: Vehicle computers as evidence
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:58 pm
I'd ask them for a warrant first.WildBill wrote:So you can't be compelled to testify against yourself, but your car can.seamusTX wrote:Modern motor vehicles have onboard computers that control functions of the drivetrain and body (air bags, seat belts, etc.). This has been the case for over 20 years. I worked in that field in the 1980s.
These computers have become increasingly complex. Some of them now record data like the well-known "black boxes" in airplanes (they aren't black -- they're usually orange).
Police officers can now read out this information after a crash. In some cases, they can tell the speed of the vehicle before the collision and whether the driver was stepping on the accelerator or brake.
Apparently no warrant is required to download this data after a crash, and use of it as evidence has held up in court.
The last part was news to me. - Jim
I would like to read some case law on this to find the reasoning of the judges. I guess it may be no different than any other physical evidence obtained from the examination of a crashed car.
If your house gets broken into, they dont get to search your PC. Heck if you had say some Security Monitors (cameras) they dont even get to watch the event without your permission or with a warrant