That’s right. You might be a GPS systems automobile scofflaw and not even know it. I was reading some news on the internet and when I saw it I was shocked. I’ve been using a GPS for so long. And they sell them everywhere now. How can it be illegal? I thought. Obviously I was sucked into reading the article. The good this was this didn’t affect me because there are only two states where you can be fined for using your GPS: California and Minnesota. Being a resident of Canada, I was saved. But how could the authorities refrain people from using a tool as useful as a GPS? I HAD to know!
Fortunately for those people from California and Minnesota, it is not the use of the GPS systems automobile that is forbidden, but the mounting of the navigation device on the windshield of ones car. Why would such a thing result into a one hundred and eight dollars fine? Read on if you would like to know…
That’s because state law prohibits mounting anything on the windshield that can block a driver’s view, except for a few specific exceptions (including toll-payment transponders, rear-view mirrors and stickers like parking passes, oil-change reminders and so on). I think it is utter non sense as GPS actually prevent accidents from happening. Ever been lost or looking for your way? Remember how dangerous it was? I sure do. That’s why I never drive without my navigation GPS device. I know that some blessed people can find and remember their way everywhere, but I am not one of them. My sense for direction is terrible, hence my love for GPS systems automobile.
Their is nonetheless a legal way to mount your device to your windshield: the device can be mounted in the 7-inch square in the lower corner farthest removed from the driver or in the 5-inch square in the lower corner nearest the driver. Good news!!