New Cool Car Law May Render Cell Phones, Latops And Ankle Braclets Inoperable

California's latest requirement for the auto industry -- advanced window glazing to keep vehicles cooler -- could prevent drivers from making phone calls, listening to satellite radio or using garage door openers.

The California Air Resources Board has adopted a new "Cool Cars" regulation ordering advanced glazing of windows to block the sun's heat and reduce the need for air conditioning. Windows must be coated with microscopic specks of metal oxide to reflect sunlight.

Some companies worry that the new requirements haven't been fully tested. In a Sept. 22 letter, Garmin International Inc., the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and the International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association warned that "more time was needed to assess the impact" of the rules.

They noted that "ankle bracelets for parolees," along with cell phone calls and laptops, "may be adversely affected by the metallic reflective standard" because the signals "must be able to penetrate the glazing in vehicles."

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kuvakas1 - 10/12/2009 11:33:06 AM

-2 Boost

This is even better thought out that the "Cash for Clunkers" program!

LexSucks - 10/12/2009 11:48:05 AM

+3 Boost

My buddy got a new car out of the Clunkers program. I bet he thinks that it was well "thought out". Or does the individual not matter?

tango - 10/12/2009 12:58:40 PM

+1 Boost

California strikes again. I don't know why car companies don't just quit selling cars there and be done with it. If CARB was thinking what they would do is instead of making it mandatory, say to the citizens, "We will give you a tax rebate if you purchase a car with glazed windows". That would push a lot of people into owning one without the gavel wielding crap they always go on with.I predict that the price of cars in the United States (because you know follo-me states like NY, NJ and the rest of them will follow California blindly into this) will go up significantly. Manufacturers will have to compensate for the Faraday cage-effect that will result with extrenal antennas and all sorts of devices to compensate. Read that as more cost. Brilliant.

veyron1001 - 10/12/2009 6:33:36 PM

+1 Boost

agreed. Have the dealerships setup around the borders of oregon, nevada, and arizona

Joe_Limon - 10/12/2009 10:06:50 PM

+1 Boost

Is this mandatory on convertibles?