California Portable GPS Regulation

A GPS device is commonly mounted in a car on the dashboard or windshield. In California, a law enacted on January 1, 2009, allows a GPS to be mounted on the windshield, with some restrictions.

Definition

A GPS (global positioning system) uses information from satellites to determine the location of the device. In a car, a GPS can be used to get directions, and to calculate speed, arrival time and more.

Current Law

The California law enacted on January 1, 2009, states that a GPS device may be mounted to a car windshield, provided it is located either in the lower corner of the passenger's side windshield or in the lower corner of the driver's side windshield.

Official Law

California Law Code 26700-26712, 26708 (a) (12) further specifies that the GPS device can be mounted only within 7-inch square of the lower corner of the passenger's side windshield, or within 5-inch square of the lower corner of the driver's side windshield. It also cannot interfere with the airbag system.

Fine

Violation of this law is punishable by a $108 fine for a moving violation.

Previous Law

Previously, GPS devices were not allowed to be mounted on a car windshield in California; they could only rest on the dashboard.

References

• California Vehicle Law
• GPS Information
• The GPS Regulation In California News

Resources

• California Law Code
• GPS Devices from Consumer Reports