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How can I bypass the factory DVD player in a car while driving?

I have a factory-installed DVD player in my car. It works while I’m in park, but the video feed shuts off when I start to drive. How do I make a car DVD player work while driving?

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Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Your car’s DVD player should continue playing for rear-seat passengers while driving without any special modifications. If you’re trying to play DVDs for a front seat passenger, bypass the factory DVD player in a car while driving:
  • Install a toggle switch: This will bypass the parking brake that shuts off the DVD player while you’re driving. Note that you’ll now use the toggle switch to turn on the radio rather than the power button on the head unit.
  • Install a DVD player bypass: This is an aftermarket wiring harness that eliminates the signal between the DVD player and the parking brake.
  • Cut the ground wire on the back of the receiver: This wire sends signals to the electronics in the vehicle, which automatically stops videos from playing while driving. Cutting this wire will allow the DVD player to continue even when you’re driving.
  • Buy a separate DVD player or screen for rear seat passengers: These can cost anywhere from $50 to $300.
Keep in mind: These are all aftermarket modifications, and they may void the warranty of the electronics. 
When you’re driving, avoid the temptation to watch videos. The entertainment isn’t worth the danger.
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