California and windshield mounted electronics

I've had one for two years and haven't been harassed yet.

 

I got one of these after reading the warning

Not affiliated in any way but pleased with it, very stable and very easy to move from car to car if I need to.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-Dash-Mount-for-Streetpilot-C320330340-P750C142.aspx

 

You can get a gooseneck mount that attaches to the floor or center console, if you are really worried about this. You will have to drill holes, etc. Not worth it.

Cops usually don't bother with GPS or radar detectors mounted on windshields. The law is to prevent any obstruction of the view through the windshield--cops do use their discretion when enforcing it. I'd say you don't have to worry about it, unless you were busted for something else and the cop was having a bad day and decided to really stick it to you or your kids...chances are that if it ever happens, they will just tell you to take it down and you can put it right back after a few minutes. Not even worth stressing about (unless it has a 32" screen!).

Enjoy your GPS.

 

I'm a scatterbrain tonight...

Could be used to manufacture probable cause 'after the fact' for cops who like to pull over kids. "I pulled him over because I saw an obstruction in the windshield, at which time I noticed an odor of marijuana..."

Is your kid otherwise clean?

 

There was a post here in Fchat a while back, that directly linked to officer dot com that expressed clearly what cops think of radar detectors mounted within view. The cop attitude was something to the effect that having the device in the car was an admission of guilt to speeding in general. Automatic ticket. I guess they have angst with radar detectors.

The GPS gadget, I wouldnt worry.

 

Garmin has a Portable Friction Mount that you can rest on the dash, It's kind of like a bean bag with a non-slip pad. It sells for about $40.00. I bought mine at Best Buy, but you can call around to any electronics store. The Part Number is 010-10908-00 or from the Garmin Site. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8100#

 

+1 to the bean bag mount. mine stays put, well, unless i'm trying to corner on rails.

 

I'd ignore the warning ... reason being, the FasTrak transponder, per the instructions of the Toll Roads, says to mount it via velcro tape to the windshield per this link:

http://www.thetollroads.com/home/getfastrak_trans.htm

Do note that if not mounted per the instructions, it may be unlawfully positioned per SEC.77, Section 26708 of the Vehicle Code. SO, one COULD mount other electronics in the same/similar location.

I've never heard of anyone getting a warning or ticket for violation of the Vehicle Code. I have a radar detector attached to my windshield (via a suction cup) for years. I've been pulled over more than once by a Peace Officer and never had an issue.

Live free ... push the envelope.

 

Yup, same here. Have used a radar detector for years (Valentine1) on Hwy17 especially. Have never had any trouble.

 

Never heard of them giving a ticket for one. Have seen them tell the judge that people had them, as if it made the defendant guilty just by having one.

Art

 

Minor point - the fastrak transponder is specifically exempted from the code. For some reason, they forgot to exempt radar detectors at the same time??

 

Oh yes, I agree, the transponders are exempt from the Vehicle Code, as I sited ... The Toll Roads definitely lobbied Sacramento on the placement of the transponders.

My point is to mount either the navigation or radar detector in a similar location. If you still get a ticket, persuade Johnie Cochran to come back from where ever his is and represent you in court. It's not the end of the world.

Heck, how many times does a police officer ticket someone for not using turn indicators when changing lanes, when we ALL know it's the law ... damn near never.

Live ... and use your turn indicators!

 

I agree. There are specific areas which are exempt from the law, as written. One area up near the rear view mirror and an area in the lower left corner. There are no requirements as to what can or cannot go there, just that those locations are exempt. I've mounted my radar detector using a mount on the rear view mirror and my GPS mount fits within the designated area in the lower left corner of my windshield so I've never worried about it.

 

There are very specific requirements of what can be affixed. As per CVC 26708:

(11) An electronic communication device affixed to the center uppermost portion of the interior of a windshield within an area that is not greater than 5 inches square, if the device provides either of the following:

(A) The capability for enforcement facilities of the Department of the California Highway Patrol to communicate with a vehicle equipped with the device.

(B) The capability for electronic toll and traffic management on public or private roads or facilities.

Also note that the "device" does not need to be affixed to the windshield to run afoul of the windshield obstruction law. The words limiting the position of such a device are "applied in or upon the vehicle which obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows ".

As far as simple decals etc, the words are: "Signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the rear window farthest removed from the driver, or signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver. "

-mick

 

I consider "other materials" in section (3) of the vehicle code pretty non-specific. My suction cup fits in the 5-inch square described. I feel I'd have a sound case. Regardless, I wouldn't worry too much about it.