New Wa Distracted Driving Law

[Ken Masla]

Paranoid has nothing to do with it. I was simply starting a discussion regarding the new law in Washington State that will absolutely effect residential appraisers here in Washington.

Not sure about the police in your area, but in my area they really don't sweat the small stuff, even though it is technically illegal. Like jay walking, etc.

The real problem here is parking enforcement. Professional waivers are not given by these vultures as they ticket UPS/Fedex trucks, senior care vans, etc.

 

[Nancy Heiss]

Has anyone ever used MLS comp photos in their report stating it was illegal to take photos while driving? "Appraiser drove by all comp properties but due to state laws regarding distracted driving, original photos were not taken." That would be a fun one to try. Think lenders would go for that?

 

[MrSpokaneValue]

Has anyone ever used MLS comp photos in their report stating it was illegal to take photos while driving? "Appraiser drove by all comp properties but due to state laws regarding distracted driving, original photos were not taken." That would be a fun one to try. Think lenders would go for that?

I actually REALLY like that idea! Might have to give that a shot

 

[Meandering]

Has anyone ever used MLS comp photos in their report stating it was illegal to take photos while driving? "Appraiser drove by all comp properties but due to state laws regarding distracted driving, original photos were not taken." That would be a fun one to try. Think lenders would go for that?

AMCs that resell your pictures as part of their AVM package won't go for that, as MLS photo copyrights, belong to either the BOR or the person who took the pictures.

Lenders seem to care less, as they are typically not marketing your photos as something they can sell.

.

 

[CindyR]

Dashcam.
Cheaper than a ticket,
Safer than driving and taking pictures.

https://www.amazon.com/dash-camera/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i:aps,k:dash camera&tag=realestatappraat


End of issue.

.

so how does that actually work? you hook up the camera to the pc after you get home and scroll through an hour of video and screen grab stuff? your comp photos are kind of street pics with the comp over on the side somewhere?

 

[Michigan CG]

Has anyone ever used MLS comp photos in their report stating it was illegal to take photos while driving?

The purpose of "driving" the comps is so that you can inspect the comparable sale from the street. That would mean stopping the car, looking at the comp and taking notes if necessary.

 

[gregb]

Washington law appears to allow using a phone when pulled over and does not apply to most digital cameras.

http://www.drivinglaws.org/washington.php

 

[residentialguy]

Just stop to take the photo. Driving while taking a photo graph is really dangerous because now your eyes are completely off the road and head turned....not to mention, you aren't going to catch sh*t on the comp inspection. Stop and pull over. Look at the house, the roof, views, condition, etc...open your window when feasible and use all your senses like a buyer would. You're not going to get a ticket while parked.

 

[Peter LeQuire]

The purpose of "driving" the comps is so that you can inspect the comparable sale from the street. That would mean stopping the car, looking at the comp and taking notes if necessary.

Oh, come on now. You're on the verge of cracking open the "looking at the comps/taking comp pictures is a stoopid waste of time" vault of senseless rants.

But hey, back in the day, I was much more distracted by Sweetie Pie next to me than I've ever been by a camera, a listing brief, a file dropped on the floor of the car or a cell phone. It wasn't called a "necking knob" for nothing.

 

[Riick]

Considering how many electronics in typical new car, driving one with a screen could easily be considered falling under this law.

Change the station on radio...
Distracted Driving offense!

Sometimes laws are there to *produce* criminals, and/or income to government. Can't keep population under control unless you have some sort of sword over their heads.