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Georgia Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 17, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 17, 2026. · 1 primary source cited on this page. How we verify our legal content

Georgia Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mount a GPS or phone on my windshield in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia explicitly allows windshield mounts for wireless telecommunications devices and stand-alone electronic devices under O.C.G.A. 40-8-73, as amended by HB 165 in 2021. The mount must be positioned to minimize obstruction of the driver's view. The permission does not extend to a commercial motor vehicle where federal law prohibits the mounting.

Is it legal to drive with a cracked windshield in Georgia?

O.C.G.A. 40-8-73(e) prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a windshield or rear window having a starburst or spider webbing effect greater than three inches by three inches. Damage smaller than that is not covered by this subsection, but any crack or chip that obstructs the driver's clear view can still raise a problem under subsection (a).

Is it legal to use a dashcam in Georgia?

Yes. A dashcam qualifies as a stand-alone electronic device under the 2021 amendment. It is permitted as long as it minimizes obstruction of the driver's view. The best placement is behind the rearview mirror. Georgia is a one-party consent state for audio recording.

What is the penalty for a windshield obstruction violation in Georgia?

It is a misdemeanor. O.C.G.A. 40-8-73 sets no penalty of its own; O.C.G.A. 40-8-7(b)(3) and (c) make it a misdemeanor to drive a vehicle equipped in violation of Georgia's equipment chapter or to do any act forbidden under it. O.C.G.A. 17-10-3 then sets misdemeanor punishment at a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail, though most windshield violations result in a fine only.

Can I tint the front windshield in Georgia?

No. O.C.G.A. 40-8-73.1(b)(1) makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle with material and glazing applied to the front windshield that reduces light transmission, with no permitted percentage. The only allowance is a transparent item that is not red or amber in color placed on the uppermost six inches of the windshield. Georgia's statute does not use the AS-1 line.

Where can I place stickers on my windshield in Georgia?

Under O.C.G.A. 40-8-73.1, stickers and nontransparent materials are allowed in a 7-inch square on the lower passenger-side corner and a 5-inch square on the lower driver-side corner. Transparent items that are not red or amber may be placed on the uppermost 6 inches of the windshield.

Does Georgia require hands-free phone use while driving?

Yes. O.C.G.A. 40-6-241, Georgia's Hands-Free Law effective since July 1, 2018, prohibits holding a phone while driving. Drivers must use a mount, earpiece, wrist device, or Bluetooth. A first conviction carries a fine of not more than $50 under the statute, plus one point on your license under the Department of Driver Services point schedule.

Updates

Corrected the summary of O.C.G.A. 40-8-73 to its actual five subsections including the three-inch starburst rule for cracked windshields, removed an AS-1 line tint rule that is not in Georgia law, restored the statutory plus or minus 3 percent tint tolerance and the rear-window exemptions for SUVs, buses and limousines, replaced reversed federal commercial-vehicle mounting guidance with the measurements in 49 CFR 393.60(e), and completed the misdemeanor authority chain through O.C.G.A. 40-8-7.

Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Reviewed and approved by an editor

Sources and References

  1. O.C.G.A. 40-8-73 - Windshields, windows, and windshield wipers(law.justia.com)
  2. O.C.G.A. 40-8-73.1 - Tinting of windows or windshields(law.justia.com)
  3. O.C.G.A. 40-6-241 - Distracted driving; hands-free restrictions(law.justia.com)
  4. Georgia Department of Driver Services - Traffic Laws and Safe Driving(dds.georgia.gov).gov
  5. HB 165 - Georgia House (2021-22 Session)(openstates.org)
  6. O.C.G.A. 16-11-62 - Georgia recording and eavesdropping statute(law.justia.com)
  7. O.C.G.A. 17-10-3 - Punishment for misdemeanors(law.justia.com)
  8. 49 CFR 393.60 - Glazing in specified openings; windshield condition and device mounting requirements for commercial motor vehicles(ecfr.gov)
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