Method and system for preventing device operation when driving

摘要

A method and system are presented for restricting the use of a portable electronic device (100) by a driver (90) who is operating a vehicle. A body area network "BAN" signal is sent from a vehicle device (80) in the vehicle in close proximity to the driver (90). The BAN signal is transmitted using the driver's biological body (90) as a signal transmission path. The portable electronic device (100) includes a receiver (70) configured to detect the BAN signal when the device is in close proximity to the driver (90). The portable electronic device (100) is further configured to disable or restrict at least one function in response to detection of the BAN signal, thereby preventing or restricting use of the portable electronic device (100) when the driver is seated in and operating the vehicle.