Delaware Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

Delaware takes a strict approach to windshield-mounted devices. The state's equipment law (Del. Code tit. 21, Section 4309) broadly prohibits placing any nontransparent material on the windshield, and unlike many other states, Delaware has not enacted a specific exemption for GPS units, dashcams, or phone mounts.

This means drivers in Delaware need to think carefully about where they place devices inside their vehicles. A suction-cup mount on the windshield could technically violate the law, even if the device itself is small and does not significantly block the view.

Delaware Windshield Obstruction Law

Del. Code tit. 21, Section 4309 states that no person shall drive any vehicle on a highway with "any sign, poster or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings or side or rear window of such motor vehicle, other than a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law."

The law also prohibits displaying a removable windshield placard issued under Section 2135 (handicapped parking placards) from the rearview mirror while the vehicle is being driven on a highway. A driver can be convicted of this violation regardless of whether the placard itself is valid.

The key phrase in Section 4309 is "nontransparent material." Any device, mount, or accessory that is not fully transparent and is attached to the windshield could fall within the scope of this prohibition.

GPS and Phone Mounts

Delaware does not have a specific statute that permits GPS devices or phone mounts on the windshield. This is a notable difference from states like Florida and California, which explicitly allow GPS and navigation devices.

Under a strict reading of Section 4309, a GPS unit or phone mounted to the windshield with a suction cup would qualify as "nontransparent material" and could result in a citation. The safest approach for Delaware drivers is to use a dashboard mount, vent-clip mount, or a mount that attaches to the center console.

Delaware does have a hands-free cell phone law (Del. Code tit. 21, Section 4176C) that has been in effect since 2011. This law requires all phone use while driving to be hands-free, but it does not specifically authorize windshield mounting as the method for achieving hands-free operation.

Drivers who need to use a GPS or phone for navigation should consider these alternatives:

• Dashboard suction-cup mounts
• Air vent clip mounts
• CD slot mounts
• Console-mounted holders
• Built-in vehicle navigation or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto systems

Dashcam Rules in Delaware

Delaware law does not include a specific exemption for dashcams or other recording devices mounted on the windshield. A dashcam attached to the windshield could be considered nontransparent material under Section 4309.

The recommended mounting locations for dashcams in Delaware are behind the rearview mirror (where the camera body is less visible and less likely to draw attention) or on the dashboard itself.

An important additional consideration for dashcam users in Delaware: the state follows an all-party consent rule for audio recording. Under Del. Code tit. 11, Section 2402, recording a conversation requires the consent of all parties involved. If your dashcam records audio inside the vehicle, you must inform and obtain consent from all passengers. Many dashcam users in Delaware disable the audio recording feature to avoid potential wiretapping violations.

Windshield Tinting

Delaware regulates window tinting under Del. Code tit. 21, Section 4313. The rules for each window are:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line only
• Front side windows: Must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 205 requirements at the time of manufacture (minimum 70% visible light transmission)
• Rear side windows: Any level of tint darkness is permitted
• Rear window: Any level of tint darkness is permitted

Vehicles must display a certificate from the manufacturer confirming that the tinting complies with FMVSS 205. There are exemptions for medical conditions (a statement from a licensed physician or optometrist verifying medical necessity), antique motor vehicles, street rods, and police K-9 unit and surveillance vehicles.

Commercial window tinting is addressed separately under Section 4313A, which regulates businesses that apply tinting material.

Toll Transponders and Stickers

Section 4309 permits "a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law." This exception covers:

• Vehicle registration stickers required by Delaware law
• Toll transponders required by toll authorities (such as E-ZPass)
• Vehicle inspection certificates (though Delaware does not require periodic safety inspections for most vehicles)

However, this exception is limited to items legally required for display. Voluntary stickers, decorations, or aftermarket additions to the windshield are not covered by this exemption.

Exemptions Summary

Item	Permitted on Windshield?	Authority
Certificates or papers required by law	Yes	Section 4309
Toll transponders (E-ZPass)	Yes (required by law)	Section 4309
GPS/navigation device	No specific exemption	Section 4309
Phone mount	No specific exemption	Section 4309
Dashcam	No specific exemption	Section 4309
Factory-installed tint above AS-1 line	Yes	Section 4313
Aftermarket tint above AS-1 line	Non-reflective only	Section 4313
Aftermarket tint below AS-1 line	No	Section 4313
Handicapped parking placard (while driving)	No	Section 4309(b)
Decorative stickers or signs	No	Section 4309

Penalties for Windshield Violations

Violations of Section 4309 fall under the penalty schedule in Del. Code tit. 21, Section 4315. Section 4309 is covered by subsection (b), which applies to Sections 4306 through 4311:

Offense	Fine Range
First offense	$10 to $28.75
Subsequent offenses	$28.75 to $100

Under Section 4315(g), a windshield obstruction violation may be dismissed before trial if the defendant can demonstrate that the vehicle has been brought into compliance, provided no collision occurred in connection with the violation.

Window tinting violations under Section 4313 carry the same dismissal provision. If the tint is removed or corrected before the court date and no accident was involved, charges may be dropped.

Delaware Hands-Free Driving Law

Delaware's hands-free law (Del. Code tit. 21, Section 4176C) has been enforced since 2011. Key provisions include:

• All drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, or other portable electronic devices while driving
• Hands-free phone calls via Bluetooth, speakerphone, or voice activation are permitted
• Texting, emailing, and browsing the internet while driving are prohibited
• First offense: $100 fine
• Subsequent offenses: $200 to $300 fine

The hands-free law requires drivers to use devices without holding them, but it does not specifically authorize mounting devices on the windshield to achieve hands-free operation. Drivers should use dashboard, vent, or console mounts instead.

Practical Tips for Delaware Drivers

Following these guidelines will help you stay within the law:

1. Use a dashboard mount for GPS and phone navigation. Suction-cup mounts that attach to the dashboard surface are widely available and keep devices off the windshield.

2. Mount dashcams behind the rearview mirror where they are less noticeable and less likely to be cited as a windshield obstruction. Better yet, use a dashboard-mounted camera.

3. Disable dashcam audio or obtain consent from all passengers before recording audio inside your vehicle.

4. Remove handicapped parking placards from your rearview mirror before driving. Hang them only when parked in a designated space.

5. Check your windshield tint. If you purchased a vehicle with aftermarket tint that extends below the AS-1 line, have it removed or replaced to avoid a citation.

6. Keep your E-ZPass transponder properly mounted. Toll transponders are among the few items specifically permitted on the windshield because they are required for legal toll payment.

More Delaware Laws

• Delaware Recording Laws
• Delaware Lemon Law
• Delaware Hit and Run Laws
• Delaware Car Seat Laws