My husband just got a ticket for "obstruction of view" for having his GPS stuck to his windshield (right under the rear view mirror). It SUPPOSED to be there. Its the only place it CAN go (its only 4x4 inches). Does anyone know if it was right for the cop to ticket him for that? If not, what should we do?
2007-06-25 07:03:26 · 6 answers · asked by Brenda 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Yes, it is obstruction of view. Anything, except the rearview mirror, that blocks any portion of the visability through the front windshield is considered an obstruction. Your GPS should have been mounted no higher than the dashboard.
2007-06-25 07:11:21 · answer #1 · answered by drgnrdr451 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
ANYTHING that obstructs a driver's view can elicit a ticket. I know having family members who are policemen. They can ticket you for anything hanging down off the rearview mirror, too many stickers on the windshield, decorations hanging off the headliner, etc. I know its a pain and I am sure that the policeman should have just given a warning but it is a valid ticket. I suggest you go to court (if possible) and present a case to the judge of how it was not your intention to do anything unsafe but you were unaware of the law regarding "obstruction of view" and I am sure they will give you a waiver or at least court supervision so it does not show up on your record.
I recommend finding another way to mount the GPS other than the windshield mount.
2007-06-25 07:20:14 · answer #2 · answered by K R 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I find that anything within about 5 inches of the bottom of the windscreen does not obstruct my view, unless I particularly feel like looking at the bonnet of the car.
Anything higher then that is an obstruction to me. I regularly come accross corners and junctions where I physically can't see past the mirror without leaning over to the passenger side of the car. The only reason I haven't removed it is that that would get me stopped for a ticket.
Mind you, I do find that driveing without the sunroof open gives me a sore neck.
What with the trend of windscreens getting smaller and smaller nowadays, I would go as far to say that the tax disc is an obstruction in some cars.
2007-06-25 10:49:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every state is a little different on this and you did not say where you live. For instance, in California it is illegal to have ANYTHING (other than the rear view mirror) attached to the inside of the windshield.
You say the GPS is SUPPOSED to go there, however since it is not standard equipment with your vehicle you won't get much mileage with that argument.
Get the drivers handbook at the local DMV. They normally have a discussion about what is and is not obstructing the view.
2007-06-25 07:15:01 · answer #4 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it was obstructing his view (which it sounds like it was), then yes.
Not to mention that people looking at their GPS's instead of the road is becoming the new 'idiot babbling on a cell phone' when it comes to having people try to kill me while driving or riding my motorcycle - so I have very little sympathy.
He can try going to court and fighting it - but the judge will probably agree with the cop - 'having something in the middle of your windshield that isn't necessary constitutes obstruction of view'.
2007-06-25 07:20:24 · answer #5 · answered by Joe M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact an attorney and fight the ticket.
2007-06-25 07:11:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋