Is It Legal To Mount Phone On Your Dashboard
It’s not considered illegal to use mounting devices while driving in California, South Dakota, Minnesota, Hawaii, Arkansas, and many other states, so long as the phone doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view of the road and other cars.
However, to avoid getting pulled over, ensure your mobile phone is mounted on the dashboard, around the lower corner of your windshield, and remove all non-transparent materials from the dashboard and center console.
Is It Ok For Drivers To Use Cell Phones Or GPS Devices When Their Vehicles Are Stationary?
No law prevents you from taking your phone off its mounting position and using it when your vehicle is stationary. As long as you’re parked safely before operating your phone or GPS systems, and there’s no item blocking your view of the road and other drivers, no police officer will issue you a ticket.
You’re only likely to have run-ins with traffic officials if you fail to mount your phone and use it to make calls or text while driving or waiting in traffic. The same thing applies to driving instructors who happen to be supervising their students.
Therefore, it’s best to keep your phone secure in your phone mount or suction cup mount at all times while driving, whether you’re using it for navigation or for receiving phone calls, in which case you’ll need to use a hands-free wireless device.
Getting apprehended by traffic officials while talking on the phone directly or using it for any other reason while driving will lead to substantial penalties for not having proper control of your vehicle. However, you’re free to do so when your vehicle is parked safely.
Is it Ok To Use Your Phone While Driving As Long As It Is Mounted?
Although there have been multiple attempts at getting traffic regulating authorities to ban cellphone use while driving regardless of the mode of usage, there is, however, no restriction on using hands-free devices so long as your phone is mounted on the dashboard and not blocking your view of the road.
This simply means that as long as your phone is left untouched on your dashboard, you’re legally allowed to use it with a hands-free device. Remember that you may be penalized if your phone is mounted in a way that obstructs your view of the road. As such, you might want to mount it properly and keep it out of your line of sight if you prefer windshield suction cup mounts.
Below are some legally acceptable hands-free devices you can you to make calls while your phone is mounted.
1. Bluetooth Headsets
Long after they were introduced, Bluetooth headphones remain one of the most comfortable and probably the safest means of hands-free communication, making them the perfect means for receiving calls without touching your phone while driving.
Remember that some headphones are more comfortable than others, so make sure to opt for the ones that best suit your needs.
2. Infotainment Systems
These days, more infotainment systems are designed to support Android and Apple Car-play mirroring. This means that you can legally and conveniently operate your vehicle and control your phone. Some of the latest systems are designed to allow voice commands, making it possible to answer calls and reply without touching your phone.
Remember that you need to pair your phone with your vehicle’s infotainment system before heading out so that you don’t get distracted while driving.
3. Handsfree Kits
Hands-free kits often come with different designs and ranges in terms of complexity of installation and usage. Therefore, if you plan to lease a car, make sure to acquire the necessary permissions from your finance provider before installing a hands-free kit in the vehicle. There are different varieties of hands-free kits, including speaker phones, hard-wired devices, and FM transmitters.
If you’re in the market for a permanent and sophisticated device, we recommend opting for the hardwired variety. On the other hand, if you’d prefer a compact and mobile alternative, it’s best to go for hands-free kits with speakers and FM transmitters.
Laws on Dashboard Mounts And Windshield Suction Cup Mounts
Traffic laws in the United States prohibit drivers from making calls, texting, and performing other operations on their mobile phones without using phone mounts. While this law states that using a phone mount while driving is legal, it specifically mentioned that you could only operate your phone with hands-free devices, including speaker phones, Bluetooth devices, and headsets.
There’s also a specific mention of the hypothetical possibility of your cellphone blocking your view, which you’ll need to avoid. While the measures may seem harsh, they go a long way in preventing fatal car accidents. Below are a few things to keep in mind to avoid issues with traffic authorities when driving.
1. Keep Your Phone In The Dashboard Mount At All Times And Refrain From Touching It
Make sure to keep your cell phone mounted on your dashboard and positioned so that it doesn’t obstruct your view of the road. You should also refrain from touching it as much as possible, as you can be pulled over by law enforcement officers if you’re spotted.
2. You Can Only Use Handsfree devices If At All You Must Use Your Phone While Driving
It’s illegal to operate your cell phone while driving physically. If at all you must do so, remember to link it to a hands-free device with a voice command function before heading out. If you’re ever in a situation where you’re forced to touch your phone while it’s mounted on the dashboard, remember that you’re only allowed to swipe with one finger.
Conclusion
While it might seem like the ban against physically operating mobile phones is unreasonable, remember that the laws weren’t designed to restrict you but to ensure your safety and protect other road users.
