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.