Mounting your phone or GPS to the windshield seems harmless — until you realize that windshield mounts are outright illegal in more than half of all US states, and restricted in several others. Most drivers have no idea their mount is a ticketable offense until they get pulled over. This guide breaks down the current law in every state so you can mount your device legally and safely.
Why Windshield Mount Laws Exist
Every state requires drivers to maintain an unobstructed view through the windshield. A phone or GPS mount placed in the driver’s direct sightline can legally constitute an obstruction regardless of how small the device is. Law enforcement officers in most states have broad discretion to issue a citation if they believe a mounted device interferes with the driver’s view — even in states that do not have a specific windshield mount law on the books.
The underlying principle is consistent across all 50 states: the windshield must remain clear. Where states differ is in how specifically they define “clear” and whether they carve out permitted locations for small electronic devices like GPS units and phones.
States Where Windshield Mounts Are Allowed
The following states explicitly permit windshield phone and GPS mounts or do not have laws restricting them:
| States Where Windshield Mounts Are Permitted | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | North Carolina | Georgia |
| Ohio | Maine | Oregon |
| Michigan | Rhode Island | Minnesota |
| South Carolina | Missouri | Tennessee |
| New Hampshire | — | — |
States Where Windshield Mounts Are Restricted by Location
These states allow windshield mounts but restrict where on the windshield the device can be placed. As a general rule, mounts should be positioned in the lower corner of the windshield on either the driver or passenger side — never in the center or upper portion of the windshield where they obstruct the primary sightline:
| States With Placement Restrictions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Maryland | Arizona | Montana |
| California | Nevada | Hawaii | Utah |
States Where Windshield Mounts Are Prohibited
The following states prohibit windshield phone and GPS mounts entirely. In these states, use a dashboard mount, air vent mount, or CD slot mount instead:
| States Where Windshield Mounts Are Prohibited | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Kansas | Oklahoma |
| Arkansas | Kentucky | Pennsylvania |
| Connecticut | Louisiana | South Dakota |
| Delaware | Massachusetts | Texas |
| District of Columbia | Mississippi | Vermont |
| Florida | Nebraska | Virginia |
| Idaho | New Jersey | Washington |
| Illinois | New Mexico | West Virginia |
| Indiana | New York | Wisconsin |
| Iowa | North Dakota | Wyoming |
Legal Alternatives to Windshield Mounts
If you live in a state where windshield mounts are prohibited or restricted, these mounting locations are legal in all 50 states and are often more practical anyway:
- Air vent mount — the most popular alternative to the windshield, positions the phone at near eye level without touching the windshield at all
- Dashboard mount — adhesive disk or bean bag base mounts sit on the dash surface rather than the windshield, legal in all states including California
- CD slot mount — attaches to the CD player slot in the dash, completely independent of the windshield
- Cup holder mount — positions the phone in the center console, well away from the windshield sightline
- Magnetic dash mount — attaches to a flat dash surface via adhesive disk, keeps the windshield completely clear
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to use a windshield phone mount in my state?
It depends on your state. Windshield mounts are explicitly permitted in 15 states, restricted by placement rules in 8 states, and prohibited entirely in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia. When in doubt, use a dashboard or vent mount — both are legal everywhere and often more practical than a windshield mount.
What changed in California in 2025?
A California Court of Appeal ruling in June 2025 clarified that holding a phone while driving — including just looking at a GPS map — is illegal regardless of whether you are moving or stopped. Phones must be mounted and may only be operated with a single tap or swipe. The ruling closed a loophole that some drivers used to argue that holding a phone for GPS navigation was permissible.
Can I use a GPS unit on my windshield even if phone mounts are banned?
In most states that restrict windshield mounts, the law applies to all devices that obstruct the driver’s view — not just phones. A dedicated GPS unit mounted to the windshield is subject to the same restrictions as a phone mount. Use a dashboard or vent mount for your GPS in states with windshield mount prohibitions.
What is the safest and most universally legal phone mount location?
The air vent is the safest and most universally legal mounting location. It keeps the phone within easy reach and near eye level without touching the windshield at all, making it compliant with the laws of every state. A dashboard mount using an adhesive disk is the second-best option and is explicitly permitted even in states with windshield mount restrictions.
Will I definitely get a ticket if I use a windshield mount in a restricted state?
Not necessarily — enforcement varies significantly by jurisdiction and officer discretion. However, in states where windshield mounts are prohibited, you are technically in violation any time the mount is in place, and you have no legal defense if cited. The risk is not worth it when legal alternatives like vent mounts and dash mounts are inexpensive and widely available.
