California changes GPS law
California is one of only two states where drivers have been prohibited from mounting a portable GPS navigation unit on their vehicle’s windshield, due to concerns about obstructing to the driver’s view. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has moved to make windshield mounting legal, with the caveat that the unit must be placed on either the lower left or lower right corner of the windshield.
The new law goes into effect January 1, 2009. This will leave Minnesota as the only state prohibiting mounting a GPS unit on a windshield. Legislation banning drivers from text messaging has also been approved.
In other West Coast legislative news, California motorists who like to cuddle with their pets can breathe a sigh of relief: Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have made it illegal to have a pet sitting in your lap while behind the wheel. (Learn the safe way to travel with pets.)
—Desiree Calamari
For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.
Posted by: anunturi auto | Oct 4, 2008 9:17:36 AM
this type of problems only in america you can find
Posted by: Jay in St Pete | Oct 6, 2008 11:53:58 PM
My Garmin is mounted on a weighted "beanbag" base that I place on the dashboard. It is only slightly less view-obstructing than if mounted low on the windshield, and is easier to see because it is closer to the steering wheel.
Posted by: C Farsbys | Oct 29, 2008 3:48:53 PM
Its ironic that Minnesota refuses to ban hands on car cell phone usage which is a dangerous act and causes major accidents but bans mounting GPS in the front window.
Posted by: Betty | Nov 8, 2008 1:54:40 PM
I would like to know how to remove one-time destinations from my Garmin. I use my Garmin all the time but for one-time destinations, I want to take them off. Can you advise me how to do this.
Thanks.
Posted by: Ron | Nov 14, 2008 12:09:49 PM
You can drive with a PET on your LAP?!?! How ridiculous is that? Pets should be at LEAST in the back seat and in a crate would be even better. Imagine someone in your family getting hit or killed because some jerk's dog got down between his owners feet and aside from being a tremendous distraction, interfered with the brakes/gas. Pets have NO place in the drivers LAP!!!
Posted by: Mobiva | Dec 28, 2008 11:26:48 AM
Why does Sacramento put more street lights up and save the insurance companies thousands of dollars. Having a gps mounted on your dashboard is nothing.. We got a hit by a animal.Bacause there was no street lights. A gps mounted on a dashboard that does not cost the insurance companies money...
Posted by: Eric | Jan 2, 2009 1:41:25 PM
This is just another sign of how to earn money for the state. As if "we" are not taxed enough. Next they will tell us that we cannot eat while driving. I will not move my GPS & maybe I'll get a ticket, but I'm willing to take the chance as I believe that if we don't stand up against such lame laws, then they "will" have full control.
Posted by: Scott Collins | Jan 5, 2009 3:29:53 PM
That is a stupid place to require a GPS to be mounted. I have mine mounted next to the rear view mirror, which is less of an obstruction than my sun visors.
Posted by: emorehs | Jan 8, 2009 8:34:19 AM
why US comes with those laws now? if I put my gps on the lower middle of my windshield it doesn't do anything on my airbag. So whats wrong with it? If we put it on the side I "think" that's more distractive for the driver.
Posted by: JAVIER | Jan 28, 2009 12:24:51 PM
CAN THIS JUST BE POLITICS FOR CAR MAKERS, TO HAVE EVERYONE BUY CARS WITH A GPS INSTALLED $2,000 EXTRA ? SOUNDS LIKE POLITICS TO ME
Posted by: Jin | Mar 27, 2009 1:39:43 PM
You know if there's some room on your console, you can also mount your gps there. That's where I'm thinking of mounting mine. I think it's easier for me to look at it that way. Almost like having it intalled there.