+egami Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 I noticed in MN (and CA, but I drive there anyway) there is a law regarding suction mounts on windshield. Can you get around this by mounting on side window? Anyone know? Quote Link to comment
+baloo&bd Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 I noticed in MN (and CA, but I drive there anyway) there is a law regarding suction mounts on windshield. Can you get around this by mounting on side window? Anyone know? Can you point to the law? I ask because most states have a law that has been construed this way, however when looked at closely often make mention of "obstructed view". i.e. not to be placed in a manner that obstructs the view of the vehicle operator. Quote Link to comment
+japtkd Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 How about using industrial strength velcro on the dash instead. It works great for my radar detector. Quote Link to comment
+egami Posted August 22, 2006 Author Share Posted August 22, 2006 (edited) No, I can't point to the law...I am just going off of websites that you order from that have a disclaimer. For example here (look at bottom right of page): http://www.gpsonsale.com/garmin/products/76Cx.htm They do mention the specific laws, but I don't have time atm to look them up online...thought maybe someone here might know firsthand. And *bonk* for the velcro comment...my poor Ram 1500 would cry if I did that! Edited August 22, 2006 by egami Quote Link to comment
+erikwillke Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 I know that most states make provisions for gps devices. if not. there is a airvent mount for PDAs that will work for GPSs Quote Link to comment
+Thrak Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 In California I see ALL KINDS OF CRAP hanging from the rear view mirror. Nobody is EVER cited for it. I use a suction mount in the lower left corner of my windshield. It blocks almost nothing from my view. I've been next to a lot of CHP cars and none has ever pulled me over. Don't mount the thing in the middle of the windshield where it is an obvious hazard and you will be fine in California. Quote Link to comment
+Confucius' Cat Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 not clear on any local laws, but if you mount dead center on the dash (or perhaps a little to the left) but near the inside edge it is possible to have the thing in direct view but not blocking ANY visibility. If the only thing it blocks is your view of the hood, what is the harm? Quote Link to comment
+sbell111 Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 In California I see ALL KINDS OF CRAP hanging from the rear view mirror. Nobody is EVER cited for it. ... Never say never. I suspect that this is a useful law to pull someone over if they are suspicious, but no other law has been broken. I also suspect that a person might get a second ticket for this if they irritate a LEO. Quote Link to comment
+egami Posted August 23, 2006 Author Share Posted August 23, 2006 not clear on any local laws, but if you mount dead center on the dash (or perhaps a little to the left) but near the inside edge it is possible to have the thing in direct view but not blocking ANY visibility. If the only thing it blocks is your view of the hood, what is the harm? You might miss the flames shooting out! Yeah, I am thinking this is largely a non-issue, was just curious if people from MN or CA had any first hand experience with it. Quote Link to comment
+SamLowrey Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 In California I see ALL KINDS OF CRAP hanging from the rear view mirror. I was going to mention that, too. There is a definite pattern from I can see - especially the ones who have a CD hanging from their mirror. They seem to have their last name in the rear window, too, in Old English letters, but they don't appear to be from England. Quote Link to comment
+frivlas Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 This law refers to things mounted to the windshield and side windows. I think. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm Quote Link to comment
+Driver Carries Cache Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 After reading the vehicle code, I've decided to go ahead and attach my GPS via suction cup in the lower left corner of the windshield. The GPS does obstruct my view of the windshield post. Seems to be a fantastic place for a GPS. True there are soooo many cars in California with all kinds of illegal window "decorations".... stickers, drag racing gagues, massive stickers, black window tinting etc. Not that this makes it ok... but I'll take my chances. It's safer than having the bean-bag mount go shooting off the dash into my lap! Driver Carries Cache (madmike) Quote Link to comment
+Wild Thing 73 Posted August 24, 2006 Share Posted August 24, 2006 I noticed in MN (and CA, but I drive there anyway) there is a law regarding suction mounts on windshield. Can you get around this by mounting on side window? Anyone know? Be sure you are not stopped for "seat belt" violation...if you are, the police will check for all violations in all states??? Quote Link to comment
+hikemeister Posted August 24, 2006 Share Posted August 24, 2006 I have an ETrex Legend and it fits perfectly on the dashboard right in front of the speedometer. This way I have a clear view of the road, can see the GPS, and have a good excuse if I get pulled over for speeding. Quote Link to comment
b1rdbrain Posted August 24, 2006 Share Posted August 24, 2006 they told me in trucking school that radar detectors are also illeagal Quote Link to comment
+egami Posted August 24, 2006 Author Share Posted August 24, 2006 they told me in trucking school that radar detectors are also illeagal Last I checked on that (which has been some time ago) radar detectors, meaning the units themselves, are only illegal a couple states. However, some are illegal when placed on the window due to similar laws I mentioned above in CA and MN regarding items on a windshield, but that is due to visibility and not radar detector laws. I used to drive all over so I did research on it...now I really don't speed much and I personally feel like detectors are kind of a waste because most of the time it's too late react (not always). At any rate...it doesn't seem like there are too many people from CA or MN that have seen this actually enforced. I just kept repeatedly seeing the disclaimers on a few sites when looking up prices and so my curiosity was peaked. Living this close to MN I know a few people from there and spoke to them and they had never heard of it being enforced ever. Quote Link to comment
b1rdbrain Posted August 24, 2006 Share Posted August 24, 2006 they told me in trucking school that radar detectors are also illeagal Last I checked on that (which has been some time ago) radar detectors, meaning the units themselves, are only illegal a couple states. However, some are illegal when placed on the window due to similar laws I mentioned above in CA and MN regarding items on a windshield, but that is due to visibility and not radar detector laws. I used to drive all over so I did research on it...now I really don't speed much and I personally feel like detectors are kind of a waste because most of the time it's too late react (not always). At any rate...it doesn't seem like there are too many people from CA or MN that have seen this actually enforced. I just kept repeatedly seeing the disclaimers on a few sites when looking up prices and so my curiosity was peaked. Living this close to MN I know a few people from there and spoke to them and they had never heard of it being enforced ever. My friend scott got one ticket for the detector and one for the visability at the same time so they seem to be illeagel here in CA. he stopped using it after that. If you ask me the cop was just mad at him cuz he was writen up for the detector, the visability, tinted windows, the cracked winshild, and driving in a car pool lane with no one else in the car. that was a very pricey day for him. i'm glad it was him and not me. So what does this thread have to do with Geocaching? Quote Link to comment
+egami Posted August 24, 2006 Author Share Posted August 24, 2006 (edited) I want to know when I am geocaching across the state line if I have to be watchful when using my GPS in the vehicle, Mr. Forum Nazi. I'd tell your friend Scott to contact a lawyer. http://www.answerbag.com/q_view.php/7114 Edited August 24, 2006 by egami Quote Link to comment
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