Is it true you cannot put your gps on windshield in California?
 

I read that you cannot use your gps in CA on the windshield--is that true and is it enforced? I will be in the Orange/long Beach county areas.
Thanks.

I hve no direct knowledge, but a GPS product review in Consumer Reports noted that using a suction cup windshield mount is illegal in California and Minnesota.

Thanks, that's where I got my info from; I was hoping for a reply from someone with actual knowledge.

From the California Department of Motor Vehicles' Driver's guide:

"Do not block your view by putting signs or other objects on the front windshield or the back and side windows...."

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf
(You'll have to scan to page 51.)

Whether anyone here thinks this is enforced is useless information if you're stopped.

BTW, beginning 7/1/08, you cannot use a cell phone while driving unless it's hands-free or you're making an emergency (911) call. Also, when it's raining, you need to turn on the headlights.

Just to clarify the rule about rain and lights - it's not that you have to have your lights on when it's raining, it's that you have to have your lights on anytime you're using your windshield wipers.

Absolutely you can not put GPS on windsheild and yes it is enforced

Right now the CA Highway patrol is enforcing "click it or ticket".
If you are spotted without your seatbelt on..you get pulled over for a ticket...

It's not just GPS. Except for a small portion of the lower windshield on both sides, it is unlawful to obstruct the driver's view through the windshield with anything. That includes dangling ornaments from the mirror mount, handicapped parking placards, writing or signs mounted on the windshield, etc.

As someone else pointed out, the opinion of Fodor's posters on whether those laws are enforced will be scant comfort when you are stopped by an officer for that violation and, while I was working, I made many stops for obstructed windshields.

I wish the CHP would do more ticketing of people with things hanging from their mirrors - especially crystals, etc. They reflect the sun and drive me nuts so I wonder how the driver can stand having them hanging there. I just had a friend stopped because her Mother (a paseenger in her car) was not wearing a seat belt. She was happy to see her Mom get a ticket as she can never get her to wear a seat belt and it is a constant battle. Of course her Mom didn't think it was fair to ticket an old lady.

<i>Whether anyone here thinks this is enforced is useless information if you're stopped.</i>


best advice yet....:-)

I didn't know this about the GPS. I live in southern CA and over memorial week I drove to Northern CA and back with the GPS suctioned to my windshield. I passed a ton of cops looking for the non seatbelters. I only got a parking ticket on my trip.

Elaine

OK, if I cannot suction it--I just ordered one and am not familiar with gps--can I just leave it on the seat???
what are my options? Its a rental car.
Thanks.

They have gravity holders that work just great to keep it on your dash. I heard they work better than the suction holders anyhow.

We live in California and use the gps inserted in my cup holder below the dash, works just fine.

Last month I rented a car in Washington and rented the GPS with it. They had a gravity holder, kinda beanbag type and it held it very fine.

Elaine

the biggest problem now at least in sacramento from what i hear on the news is that people see the suction mark and break in the car to steal the GPS so the CHP said to avoid that system on the news this morning but never said it was illegal. glad ours is in the car

We use the &quot;beanbag&quot; mount too and it works well. One problem with the suction cup other than the possible legal one is that the suction cup often leaves a telltale ring on the windshield that thieves look for as an indication that there may be a valuable GPS inside.

We've had 2 cars broken into in the parking lot at my office in the last couple months - both had suction cup marks on the windshield.

I am so glad you posted about the break-ins and suction cup marks - I am cleaning my car window right now!

Thank you
Elaine

<i>I am so glad you posted about the break-ins and suction cup marks - I am cleaning my car window right now!</i>

Me too -- it never even occurred to me!

Also, effective July 1 it will be unlawful to use a handheld cell phone in California while driving.