Is it legal to mount a GPS to a windshield in Ontario (and the rest of Canada)?

David W

Radio Shack (and surely other stores) sells a kit that includes a mount that clips into a dashboard vent, keeping the GPS well out of the way. I've used one several times, and the GPS works fine in that position. The kit cost about $20.

UCANTCME

Canada Transportation Ministry :

They are legal but !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Safe driving requires that you focus your attention on driving .

Navigation devices, when used properly, can make driving safer by helping to guide you to your destination with audio instructions as you drive.

The risks associated with these devices typically occur when drivers try to manually reprogram them while driving.

Drivers who fail to pay attention to the driving task can face severe consequences.

For example, a "careless driving" conviction under S. 130 of the Highway Traffic Act carries a fine of up to $1,000, six demerit points, possible jail time, and a driver's license suspension.

Alternatively, a "dangerous driving" conviction under S. 249 of the Criminal Code of Canada carries a maximum $2,000 fine and up to five years in jail. The ministry will further examine this issue to see what next-generation driver distraction legislation could look like.

thud.fan

A new law takes affect here in Calif. on 1/1/09 that says that GPS devices can be mounted on the top of the dash only at the lower right or left hand corners of the windshield. If at all possible, have someone with you who can read and interpret the display. Most GPS units are freeway and highway focused meaning they try to get you on the closest highway - even if it means a farther drive to your destination.

I strongly recommend that before you get behind the wheel that you look at a map to determine your route and also pick the best alternate routes. It is the second rule of driving. Use the computer and some terrific software programs like Google Earth or MSN Virtual Earth that will show you aerial photos of every road in North America. Both are free downloads.

All the best.

Jeager

If you mount a GPS on the windshield, don't put it some place where it could obscure your vision (Ex, straight in the middle of the dashboard) but if you place it on your windshield, I doubt anyone will stop you for having it there, and if they do, they wont fine you.

Life is good

In Ontario the law says you can mount it anywhere on the windshield not covered by the arc of the windshield wipers.

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