Windshield Mount Illegal in California

FortyTillFive · #1 (**permalink**) 2008-11-30

I just purchased my first radar detector and was wondering, since there is a law against mounting anything on the windshield in California. V.C. Section 26708 - Material Obstructing or Reducing Driver’s View where else I could mount my Whistler Pro 78.

steagall1000 · #2 (**permalink**) 2008-12-01

You have the right as a citizen to put a mounted GPS and radar detector on your windshield. This is a law violating your rights. I can't see how a officer has the right to tell you wether you can see out your own window. This I truely believe a judge would have to throw out. California is a screwed up state just like Virginia and washington. Thank God for the National motorist association!

Sorry I got off the subject, As for mounting a Visor clip will do or if you have a strip of dark window tint you could mount your radar detector behind the tint strip, just leaving enough space for the radar detector to see out. That way the officer can't tell its mounted in the window.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FortyTillFive

I just purchased my first radar detector and was wondering, since there is a law against mounting anything on the windshield in California. V.C. Section 26708 - Material Obstructing or Reducing Driver’s View where else I could mount my Whistler Pro 78.

TSi+WRX · #3 (**permalink**) 2008-12-01

Mounting to the dash is always possible, particularly if you have a "taller" vehicle. Just be sure you clear your hood (especially if you have some kind of a hood scoop, including "reversed" induction hoods) as well as windshield wipers, etc.

Such a mount could be something as simple as a couple of squares of Velcro or 3M DualLock, to something more permanent such as a custom-made, bent-metal "insert" into a trim gap, such as what's available for mounting various aftermarket navigation devices (i.e. the ProClip for TomToms).

Alternatively, you could use either the factory-provided visor mount or an aftermarket visor-mount device.

Pushing the issue a bit, there are also specialty-market interior rearview mirror "stalk" mounts, such as these:

Custom Made Connecting Mount for Radar Detector on 350Z and other Cars

and, for example, for late-model Corvettes:

Great Lakes Trophies & Engraving - Corvette Accessories

Similar to such a "push" on the legality, you could mount the detector to your headliner, via the use of either a pre-made clip or custom-made, bent-metal or polymer-plastic "insert" that slots into the void between the headliner and the windshield, such as is seen here:

Radar Detector Jammer Forum - View Single Post - 9500i passenger side visor mounting options?
^ CJR's setup, using a piece of plexiglass

Radar Detector Jammer Forum - View Single Post - 9500i : How do you mount your RD on your windshield ?
^ lacning's setup, using the $4 Escort Visor Clip, clipped directly to his
headliner

FortyTillFive · #4 (**permalink**) 2008-12-01

Thanks for the informative replies! Yes I agree California is a screwed up state when it comes to laws. I drive a dodge ram pickup so I think mounting on the dash will be fine. I just didn't know how much clearance the detector needs.

steagall1000 · #5 (**permalink**) 2008-12-02

This is a great forum for asking any question you want. I agree go with putting it on the dash. Dodge rams sit up pretty high off the ground, so you should be just fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FortyTillFive

Thanks for the informative replies! Yes I agree California is a screwed up state when it comes to laws. I drive a dodge ram pickup so I think mounting on the dash will be fine. I just didn't know how much clearance the detector needs.