Embodiments of the present invention include a computer-controlled method for safely operating a vehicle based electronic system. The method includes receiving a first signal from a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is for identifying the presence of a passenger located in a passenger seat of the vehicle. This may be the configuration of a seat belt associated with the passenger seat. The method further includes receiving a second signal from a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is for determining a weight of the passenger in the passenger seat. Provided the passenger is located in the passenger seat and the weight of the passenger in the passenger seat is above or equal to a threshold value, the method further includes allowing programming functionality of the electronic system while the vehicle is in motion. In one embodiment, the electronic system is a vehicle based navigation system.