Obstruction of View
Dice in the mirror, sunglass, or a nice dreamcatcher are all popular items drivers like to hang from their rearview mirrors.
These trinkets can give a daily reminder of what’s important as well as improve the overall zin of the cabin. Unfortunately according to California Vehicle Code (CVC) 26708 they are also illegal.
To be in compliance with the Vehicle Code the rearview mirror needs to be completely free of any hanging objects and your view of the roadway cannot be obstructed. We suggest placing these items on your dash or in the center console of the vehicle to avoid any possible citations.
What is the Law?
California Vehicle Code (CVC) 26708 is a lengthy one. This code covers everything from hanging objects from the rearview mirror to window tint on your windshield. The definition in the vehicle code is:
A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows
GPS Mounting
A portable Global Positioning System (GPS), which may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver or in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone, if the system is used only for door-to-door navigation while the motor vehicle is being operated.
Dash Cams
A video event recorder with the capability of monitoring driver performance to improve driver safety, which may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone, or in a five-inch square mounted to the center uppermost portion of the interior of the windshield.
As used in this section, “video event recorder” means a video recorder that continuously records in a digital loop, recording audio, video, and G-force levels, but saves video only when triggered by an unusual motion or crash or when operated by the driver to monitor driver performance.
Sticker or Sign Placement
Signs, stickers, or other materials that are displayed in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, signs, stickers, or other materials that are displayed in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the rear window farthest removed from the driver, or signs, stickers, or other materials that are displayed in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver.
Sun Screen Devices
Sun screening devices meeting the requirements of Section 26708.2 installed on the side windows on either side of the vehicle’s front seat if the driver or a passenger in the front seat has in his or her possession a letter or other document signed by a licensed physician and surgeon certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a medical condition, or has in his or her possession a letter or other document signed by a licensed optometrist certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a visual condition.
The devices authorized by this paragraph shall not be used during darkness.