California Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

California has one of the most detailed windshield obstruction frameworks in the country. Vehicle Code Section 26708 (CVC 26708) sets the baseline rule that drivers cannot place objects or materials on windshields or windows that block their view. But the statute also carves out 14 specific exceptions covering everything from GPS devices and dashcams to toll transponders and medical sun screening.

Understanding these rules matters whether you are mounting a phone holder, installing a dash camera, or applying window tint. Getting it wrong can mean a traffic ticket, and California's penalty assessment system turns a small base fine into a bill that can exceed $200.

This guide breaks down every exception under CVC 26708, explains the 2026 changes from SB 506 for commercial vehicles, and covers fines, defenses, and practical tips for staying legal.

The General Rule: CVC 26708(a)

California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a) contains two prohibitions that work together to keep windshields and windows clear.

CVC 26708(a)(1) states that 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.

CVC 26708(a)(2) adds that a person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle that obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows.

CVC 26708(a)(3) clarifies that this includes obstruction by snow or ice on the windshield, side windows, or rear windows.

These three subsections mean that California law prohibits both items physically attached to the glass and items placed anywhere in the vehicle (like on the dashboard) that block the driver's line of sight.

All 14 Exceptions Under CVC 26708(b)

The law would be unworkable without exceptions. Subdivision (b) lists 14 categories of items or conditions that are exempt from the general prohibition. Here is every one of them.

Exception 1: Rearview Mirrors

Standard interior rearview mirrors attached to the windshield are exempt. This is the most basic exception and applies to every vehicle with a factory-mounted mirror.

Exception 2: Adjustable Nontransparent Sun Visors

Adjustable nontransparent sun visors that are mounted forward of the side windows and are not attached to the glass are permitted. This covers the standard flip-down visors that come with every vehicle. The key requirements are that they must be adjustable and not attached directly to the glass.

Exception 3: Signs, Stickers, and Other Materials (Designated Zones)

This exception creates three specific zones where signs, stickers, or other materials may be displayed:

• A 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest from the driver (passenger side)
• A 7-inch square in the lower corner of the rear window farthest from the driver
• A 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver (driver side)

These zones are where items such as registration stickers, parking permits, and inspection decals may be placed. The area limits are strictly enforced. Anything larger than the specified squares can result in a citation.

Exception 4: Rear Side Windows

Side windows that are to the rear of the driver are exempt. This means you can legally tint or cover the rear passenger windows and the rear windshield (subject to other tinting rules under CVC 26708.5), as long as the vehicle meets the mirror requirement in Exception 8.

Exception 5: Transit and School Bus Signs

Direction, destination, or terminus signs on passenger common carrier motor vehicles or schoolbuses are permitted, provided those signs do not interfere with the driver's clear view of approaching traffic.

Exception 6: Rear Window Wiper Motor

A rear window wiper motor and its associated hardware are exempt. Since these devices attach to the rear glass, they would otherwise violate subsection (a)(1).

Exception 7: Rear Trunk Lid Handle or Hinges

The rear trunk lid handle or hinges that may be visible through the rear window are exempt. This covers common vehicle designs where trunk hardware appears within the rear window area.

Exception 8: Rear Window Coverage With Dual Side Mirrors

The rear window or windows may be covered or obstructed if the motor vehicle is equipped with outside mirrors on both the left-hand and right-hand sides of the vehicle. Each mirror must be positioned to reflect a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

This is the exception that allows SUVs, vans, and trucks to have fully tinted or obstructed rear windows, as long as both side mirrors provide adequate rearward visibility.

Exception 9: Wide-Angle Lens for Wide Vehicles

A clear, transparent lens affixed to the side window opposite the driver is permitted on vehicles greater than 80 inches in width. The lens must occupy an area not exceeding 50 square inches of the lowest corner toward the rear of that window and must provide the driver with a wide-angle view through the lens.

This exception primarily benefits commercial vehicles and large trucks that need supplemental visibility aids.

Exception 10: Medical Sun Screening Devices

Sun screening devices that meet the requirements of Section 26708.2 may be installed on the side windows on either side of the vehicle's front seat under specific medical conditions.

To qualify, the driver or a front-seat passenger must have in their possession:

• A letter signed by a licensed physician and surgeon certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a medical condition, OR
• A letter signed by a licensed optometrist certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a visual condition

Important restrictions:

• The devices must meet Section 26708.2 standards (green, gray, or neutral smoke color; minimum 35% luminous transmittance; held in place by frames or temporary fasteners allowing ready removal)
• They shall not be used during darkness
• The medical documentation must be in the vehicle at all times

Exception 11: Electronic Toll and CHP Communication Devices

An electronic communication device may be affixed to the center uppermost portion of the interior of the windshield within an area not greater than 5 inches square if the device provides either:

• (A) The capability for enforcement facilities of the Department of the California Highway Patrol to communicate with a vehicle equipped with the device, OR
• (B) The capability for electronic toll and traffic management on public or private roads or facilities

This is the exception that covers FasTrak transponders and similar electronic toll collection devices. The mounting location is restricted to the center-top area of the windshield, and the device must fit within a 5-inch square.

Exception 12: Portable GPS Navigation Devices

A portable Global Positioning System (GPS) may be mounted in one of two locations:

• A 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver (passenger side), OR
• A 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver (driver side), outside of an airbag deployment zone

The GPS must be used only for door-to-door navigation while the motor vehicle is being operated.

Key limitations:

• The device must be portable (not permanently installed)
• It must be used exclusively for navigation purposes
• It must fit within the designated square zones
• On the driver's side, it must be placed outside the airbag deployment zone
• This exception does not apply to phones used for navigation unless they are mounted within these zones

Exception 13: Video Event Recorders (Dashcams)

This is one of the most detailed exceptions in the statute. A video event recorder with the capability of monitoring driver performance to improve driver safety may be mounted in one of three locations:

• A 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest from the driver (passenger side)
• A 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver, outside of an airbag deployment zone
• A 5-inch square mounted to the center uppermost portion of the interior of the windshield

Definition of Video Event Recorder

The statute defines a "video event recorder" as 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.

Mandatory Notice Requirement

A vehicle equipped with a video event recorder must have a notice posted in a visible location stating that a passenger's conversation may be recorded. This is not optional. Failing to post this notice can create legal issues separate from the windshield mounting rules, particularly given California's two-party consent recording laws.

Recording Storage Limits

Video event recorders shall store no more than 30 seconds before and after a triggering event. The data recorded is the property of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle. The registered owner or lessee may disable the device.

Employer Obligations for Commercial Drivers

When a person is driving for hire as an employee in a vehicle equipped with a video event recorder, the employer must provide unedited copies of the recordings upon the request of the employee or the employee's representative. These copies must be provided free of charge and within five days of the request.

Exception 14: Vehicle Safety Technology on Commercial Vehicles (SB 506)

Effective January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 506 replaced the former commercial vehicle video event recorder exception with a broader provision for vehicle safety technology.

Under the updated law, vehicle safety technology as defined in Section 393.5 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations may be installed on any vehicle listed in Section 34500 and subject to Section 34500.7 that is otherwise in compliance with Section 393.60 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Which Vehicles Qualify

The vehicles covered under CVC 34500 include:

• Motortrucks of three or more axles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds
• Truck tractors
• Buses (including school buses and transit vehicles)
• Farm labor vehicles
• Certain other commercial motor vehicles

What Devices Are Permitted

Under the federal definition in 49 CFR 393.5, vehicle safety technology includes:

• Fleet incident management systems
• Driver performance and behavior management systems
• Forward collision warning or mitigation systems
• Lane departure warning systems
• Active cruise control systems
• Transponders
• Driver camera systems
• Braking warning and assist systems
• Attention assist warnings
• Global Positioning Systems
• Traffic sign recognition systems
• Systems containing cameras, lidar, radar, sensors, or video

Federal Mounting Rules (49 CFR 393.60)

Under the FMCSA final rule effective May 2022, approved vehicle safety technology devices may be mounted up to 8.5 inches below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers. This is a significant expansion from the previous limit. All devices must remain outside the driver's sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.

Windshield Film and Tinting Rules

Beyond the 14 exceptions for mounted objects, CVC 26708 also addresses transparent materials that can be applied to windshields and windows.

Subdivision (c): Windshield Tinting

Transparent material may be installed, affixed, or applied to the windshield if all of these conditions are met:

• The material is installed along the top of the windshield and the bottom edge is at least 29 inches above the uncompressed front seat
• It is not red or amber in color
• It does not contain opaque lettering that affects the driver's vision
• It does not reflect more sunlight than a standard windshield

Subdivision (d): Front Side Window Film

Clear, colorless, and transparent material may be installed on the front side windows (driver and passenger doors) if:

• It has a minimum 88% visible light transmittance when combined with the glass
• It meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 (49 CFR 571.205)
• It is designed to block ultraviolet A rays
• The installing company or manufacturer provides a signed certificate confirming compliance
• If the material tears, bubbles, or wears to prohibit clear vision, it must be removed or replaced

Subdivision (e): Medical UV Protection

Clear, colorless, and transparent film material may be installed on any window (including the windshield and front side windows) if:

• The driver has a certificate signed by a licensed dermatologist certifying the person should not be exposed to ultraviolet rays due to a medical condition
• The material meets the same 88% transmittance and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 requirements as subdivision (d)

Penalties for Violating CVC 26708

A violation of CVC 26708 is classified as an infraction under California law.

Fine Structure

Component	Amount
Base fine	$35
State and county penalty assessments	$162 to $215+
Total fine	$197 to $250+

The base fine of $35 is multiplied by California's penalty assessment system, which adds surcharges for the state courthouse construction fund, DNA identification fund, state court facilities fund, and other programs. The exact total varies by county.

No DMV Points

A CVC 26708 conviction does not add points to your California DMV driving record. This means it will not trigger a negligent operator hearing or affect your driving privilege.

Correctable Violation (Fix-It Ticket)

In many cases, officers issue a CVC 26708 citation as a correctable violation. This means you can:

1. Remove the offending material or object
2. Have the correction verified by a law enforcement officer or authorized station
3. Pay a reduced dismissal fee (typically $25) instead of the full fine

Not all CVC 26708 tickets are written as correctable. Whether you receive a fix-it ticket depends on the officer's discretion and the nature of the violation.

Insurance Impacts

While CVC 26708 does not add DMV points, a conviction can still appear on your driving record. Some insurance companies may factor equipment violations into premium calculations over time.

Practical Tips for Legal Windshield Mounting

Following these guidelines will help you stay within the law:

• Measure your mounting zones. Use a tape measure to confirm your GPS, dashcam, or other device fits within the designated 7-inch or 5-inch square areas.
• Check airbag locations. Devices mounted on the driver's side lower corner must be outside the airbag deployment zone. Consult your vehicle owner's manual.
• Post dashcam notices. If you use any type of video event recorder, post a clearly visible notice inside the vehicle stating that conversations may be recorded.
• Keep medical documents in the vehicle. If you rely on a medical exemption for sun screening, always carry the physician's or optometrist's signed letter.
• Remove devices when not in use. Suction-cup mounted GPS units and dashcams are easier to defend legally if they are portable and removable.
• Do not stack devices. Mounting a GPS and a dashcam in the same windshield zone may push you beyond the allowable area.

More California Laws

Looking for information about other California laws? Here are related guides:

• California Recording Laws covers consent requirements for audio and video recording.
• California Lemon Law explains your rights when a new vehicle has persistent defects.
• California Hit and Run Laws details penalties and reporting requirements after an accident.