Are Windshield and Dashboard Phone Mounts Illegal in Your State? You Might Be Breaking the Law Without Realizing It…
Many drivers use windshield and dashboard phone mounts for convenience, but in certain states, using them could actually be illegal. These mounts, often placed in the driver’s direct line of sight, may violate obstruction laws designed to keep the windshield clear and ensure an unobstructed view of the road.
Laws like the Road Traffic Act state that:
"No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a road if he is in such a position that he cannot ... have a full view of the road and traffic ahead."
Additionally, many traffic laws require that windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision—meaning a phone mount attached to your windshield or dashboard could be considered an obstruction in a legal case.
So, are you unknowingly breaking the law? Let’s explore the facts and, more importantly, how to avoid legal trouble while still keeping your phone accessible for hands-free use.
States with Laws Against Windshield Phone Mounts
Certain states have already taken action against windshield-mounted devices. Some examples include:
- California: Bans placing objects on the windshield that obstruct the driver’s clear view, except in specific permitted locations.
- Minnesota: Prohibits windshield obstructions, including many phone mounts.
- New Jersey: Forbids driving with anything that interferes with the driver’s ability to see clearly through the windshield.
Even if your state does not explicitly ban dashboard or windshield phone mounts, law enforcement officers can still issue a ticket if they believe your phone holder is interfering with your visibility.
Why These Laws Exist: The Hidden Dangers of Windshield and Dashboard Mounts
While these mounts seem like a convenient way to keep a phone within view, they pose serious safety risks.
- Blocked Visibility: If a phone mount is too high or too close to the windshield, it can block parts of the driver’s field of vision, making it harder to see pedestrians, road signs, or potential hazards.
- Increased Distraction: Having a phone in the driver’s direct line of sight increases the temptation to glance at notifications, which can lead to dangerous distractions.
- Sticky Residue and Damage: Many dashboard mounts use adhesives or suction cups that can melt in the heat, leaving permanent marks or damaging a vehicle’s interior.
- Falling Hazard: If the adhesive or suction isn't secure enough or melts in the heat, the phone could easily fall, creating a dangerous situation if the driver tries to recover the device while still driving.
Even if a driver believes their phone mount is not a problem, an officer might see it differently—especially in the case of an accident where visibility was a factor.
What’s the Best Legal and Safe Alternative?
With states cracking down on windshield and dashboard mounts, and the risks they pose, what is the best solution for hands-free phone use while driving?
A Cup Holder Phone Mount Like Cell Phone Seat
Unlike windshield or dashboard mounts, Cell Phone Seat fits snugly in a car’s cup holder, keeping the phone secure and accessible without blocking the driver’s view of the road.
- Fully Compliant with Visibility Laws – No windshield obstruction, no sticky residue, and no risk of breaking the law.
- No Unnecessary Distractions – The phone is positioned lower, so it does not constantly catch the driver’s eye every time a notification arrives.
- Secure and Stable – Holds the phone in place even on rough roads.
- Universal Fit – Works with any phone size and most cases and accessories like Pop-Sockets and Loopies.
By switching to a cup holder phone mount, drivers eliminate the legal and safety concerns of windshield and dashboard mounts without sacrificing convenience.
Final Thoughts: Avoid the Risk and Choose a Safer, Legal Option
Windshield and dashboard phone mounts may already be illegal in some states, and in others, they could lead to a ticket if law enforcement determines they obstruct the driver’s view. With safety regulations tightening and increased awareness of distracted driving risks, more states are likely to implement bans in the future.
The good news is that drivers do not have to compromise on accessibility. They just need to choose a better, safer alternative.
Avoid the legal risks and visibility issues of windshield and dashboard mounts by upgrading to a hands-free option that complies with the law.
Get the Cell Phone Seat today, available in many different colors, and keep your phone accessible without breaking the law.