I have heard that in California it is illegal to connect anything to the windshield, like a suction cup mount for a GPS. I'll be out there next week and want to stick my GPS onto the windshield but someone told me that is not legal. Is this true? Do people do it anyway and the cops don't care? Or do you really need to use a dashboard mount?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mtsarpilot @ Nov 3 2006, 09:42 AM) [snapback]343166[/snapback]</div> From what I have heard, that is correct. But we often have the GPS on the windshield and no problems from anyone. I have also seen many others mounted there and not heard anyone being stopped. Now, on the Prius we use a dash mount so it is easier to reach the screen. B)
Yes it is illegal, yes you could (obviously) get a ticket, yes many people do it without a problem. I have yet to hear of anybody having an issue with this... doesn't mean it won't be for you.
When I read the vehicle codes, I was surprised by it as well. Yes, it is illegal to attach anything to the windshield. It was meant to prevent people from blocking the view thru the windshield (in-out as much as out-in). However, for some GPS units (like Magellan), that is the only way to install them. My friend has one attached to the windshield, and he never has any problem with CHP officer.
You WILL be one of the first to get caught though ~ if your GPS touch screen rivals our home theater Plasma screen ;^) Seriously, there's plenty of uncourteous kooks out here (especially south Orange County) to keep the Sheriff & the CHP busy, and thus you won't have to worry about it. Your odds are better that you will be tailgate'd at least twice a day. Happens to me ... in the slow lane .... even at 4am !!
I've had my radar detector stuck in the middle of the windshield for years. No problemo so far. It's funny, the detector is legal but installing it isn't. Another thing to worry about.....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alnilam @ Nov 3 2006, 10:50 AM) [snapback]343306[/snapback]</div> Thanks everyone. That is sort of what I suspected, while technically on the books as a law, everyone does it no problem anyway.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ceric @ Nov 3 2006, 09:12 AM) [snapback]343282[/snapback]</div> The rear view mirror is attached to the windshield? Sounds like an obsolete law.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tumbleweed @ Nov 3 2006, 12:00 PM) [snapback]343402[/snapback]</div> Your's is attached?? My wife holds mine up for me. Semper legalis!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alnilam @ Nov 3 2006, 03:11 PM) [snapback]343414[/snapback]</div> You know ... you can get a prescription for this nowadays.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Proco @ Nov 3 2006, 03:57 PM) [snapback]343449[/snapback]</div> And they'll deliver it right to your house...in a Prickup!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 3 2006, 02:09 PM) [snapback]343503[/snapback]</div> Oh, you guys!!! The first liar never has a chance!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mtsarpilot @ Nov 3 2006, 06:42 AM) [snapback]343166[/snapback]</div> My radar detector is mounted by suction cups on the bottom of the windshield and I've never had a problem with it. I wouldn't worry about it. If you get a cop in a bad mood, he might find something to ticket you for but I've never had a problem with it.
The relevant section of the CA vehicle code is here: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm There are exceptions for things like toll transponders and parking stickers, but AFAIK, a GPS wouldn''t qualify under any of the exceptions. My Fastrak transponder is illegally mounted (top of windshield, driver's side) but I've never been ticketed for it.
The windshield is so far away that if your GPS is anything like mine, you'd be unable to reach it. My Garmin StreetPilot uses a "beanbag" mount on the dash. Definitely a better place for it.
