Is It Legal to Mount a Phone on the Windshield in California?
Yes, but only in specific places. Under California Vehicle Code section 23123.5, a phone can be mounted on the windshield in the same way a portable GPS is allowed: within a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest from the driver, or a five-inch square in the lower corner nearest the driver, outside the airbag deployment zone. You can also mount it on the dashboard or center console, as long as it doesn’t block your view of the road. While driving, you may only touch the mounted phone with a single tap or swipe.
*This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws can change, so check the current statute or ask a qualified attorney.*
Table of Contents
What the Law Says
California’s handheld phone law is Vehicle Code section 23123.5. It says you can’t drive while holding and operating a phone unless it’s set up for voice-operated, hands-free use. It then allows hand use of a phone while driving only if both of these conditions are met:
- The phone is mounted on the windshield in the same way a portable GPS is mounted under section 26708(b)(12), or mounted on or affixed to the dashboard or center console in a way that doesn’t hinder the driver’s view of the road.
- The driver uses a hand only to activate or deactivate a feature or function with a single swipe or tap of a finger.
Where You Can Mount a Phone on a California Windshield
The GPS rule in Vehicle Code section 26708(b)(12) allows a portable device to be mounted in either of these areas:
| Allowed windshield zone | Size limit |
|---|---|
| Lower corner farthest from the driver (passenger side) | 7-inch square |
| Lower corner nearest the driver, outside the airbag deployment zone | 5-inch square |
That means the top center of the windshield, directly in front of the driver, and anywhere that blocks the road aren’t allowed spots for a phone under these rules. (California does allow certain other devices, such as dash cams, in a top-center zone, but that permission is specific to those devices.)
What You Can and Can’t Do With a Mounted Phone
| Action while driving | Allowed under 23123.5? |
|---|---|
| Single tap to answer or end a call | Yes |
| Single swipe to start or stop navigation | Yes |
| Typing a destination or text | No |
| Scrolling through apps | No |
| Holding the phone in your hand | No |
| Voice commands (hands-free) | Yes |
Penalties
Section 23123.5 makes a violation an infraction with a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. Additional court fees and assessments can increase the total amount you pay.
Practical Tips for Staying Within the Law
- Choose the dash or vent if you want to avoid windshield-zone measurements entirely, as long as the phone doesn’t block your view.
- Measure before mounting on the windshield, staying within the 7-inch or 5-inch square in a lower corner.
- Set navigation before you drive.
- Use voice assistants for calls, messages, and music.
- Keep the phone out of airbag zones.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A vent mount keeps your phone off the windshield entirely.
- Never Fall Off-Metal Hook Design: Miracase car phone holder adopts simplified locking design. The steel metal hook(with silicone pad and mat) will catch one of car air vent blades and provide excellent strudiness. It will work well for your car even in extremely harsh environments. NOTE: ONLY Compatible with horizontal and vertical vents. Not suitable for round vents.
- Universal Compatibility: Miracase cell phone stand for car mount is compatible with the smartphones (4.0-7.2 inches) and thicker cases. Note!!The lengh of vent clip hook is MAX 1.4inch(3.6cm), it will be compatible with vent blades less than 1.4 inches (3.6 cm) wide. NOTE:Not suitable for Round Vent.
- One-hand Operation: With quick release button, adjustable clamp arms and foot, Miracase car phone mount makes it very easy to insert and remove your phone with single hand. Provide you with safer driving whether you are talking, navigating or listening to music or charging.
- 360-degree Flexible Rotation: The 360-degree rotatable design will provide you with the best viewing angle to keep secure driving. You can place your phone in any orientation (landscape, portrait and more), Just enjoy the best drving experience
- Professional Support: Please contact us for any product issues, a satisfying solution is promised forever
For more options, see our list of the best car phone mounts and our guide on where to put a phone holder in your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mount my phone in the center of the windshield in California?
Not under the phone and GPS rules. Section 23123.5 refers to the GPS mounting zones, which are in the lower corners of the windshield.
Is a dashboard phone mount legal in California?
Yes, section 23123.5 allows a phone mounted on or affixed to the dashboard or center console, as long as it doesn’t hinder your view of the road.
Can I use GPS on my phone while driving in California?
Yes, if the phone is properly mounted and you only use a single tap or swipe, or use voice control.
Does this law apply to built-in car screens?
Section 23123.5 states it doesn’t apply to manufacturer-installed systems embedded in the vehicle.
The Takeaway
In California, you can mount a phone on the windshield only in a small zone in the lower corner, 7 inches square on the passenger side or 5 inches square on the driver’s side outside the airbag zone, or on the dash or console without blocking your view. Limit your touches to a single tap or swipe, and use voice control for everything else.
One Comment