Windshield mounted GPS illegal in WA?

[netcoyote]

I've been gearing up for a road trip and recently bought a GPS and dash cam for the trip. Both came with suction cup mounts for the windshield. I recently found some information that tells me that the windshield mount is illegal in many states, one of them is WA. I checked the RCW and found this:

RCW 46.37.410
Windshields required, exception — Must be unobstructed and equipped with wipers.

(1) All motor vehicles operated on the public highways of this state shall be equipped with a front windshield manufactured of safety glazing materials for use in motor vehicles in accordance with RCW 46.37.430, except, however, on such vehicles not so equipped or where windshields are not in use, the operators of such vehicles shall wear glasses, goggles, or face shields pursuant to RCW 46.37.530(1)(b).

    (2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of such vehicle which obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.

So, I can't see how a suction cup mounted GPS is functionally any different than the glued on rear view mirror on my Jeep, but I'm not interested in getting into a peeing contest with a LEO over the weasel wording in this RCW.

Has anybody else looked into this? Anybody got pulled over for this or issued any tickets?

Just for the record, there seems to also be restrictions on this in Idaho, Montana and Oregon which are states I planned to travel in.

[bigtex]

People get pulled over all the time for this, tickets? Eh it'll usually result in a ticket if you give them attitude.

How many of your trucks have tires extending past the wheel well without mudflaps? Another traffic violation in most states including WA

[Jonathan_S]

How many of your trucks have tires extending past the wheel well without mudflaps? Another traffic violation in most states including WA

Mean cops.  I mean it's my right to destroy my ball joints with overpriced aluminum spacers   

[lokidog]

IMO, the pertinent part of this is this part of the sentence:  which obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.

I would think if you keep it low, close to the dash, and can demonstrate, if needed, that it does not restrict your view, you should not have a problem.  Now, if you are 5'2" or shorter, then the steering wheel probably falls into the view restricting category....   

Broken windshields or rockchips in your field of view are also illegal, I believe, but I sure see a lot of them driving around.   

[Mike450r]

If it doesn't obstruct vision it is not a problem

[AWS]

I doubt the LEO would care much as the state requires the big yellow tag(Discovery Pass) to hang off the mirror to drive on public roads in state forests.

They make a nice sand bag mount that lays on the dash that works pretty good.  Instead of changing chips I have a  GPS with my Pacific NW chip on the dash and a GPS with my 10 Western states chip mounted on the window.

[mossy8352]

I moved mine to the dash just under any usable windshield view not because it was unsafe but because my suction cup kept letting go o the glass (especially on rough roads). Mine is mounted to the dash and holds my phone/gps solidly in place (while still being removable) if I want. I have to wonder why there is any difference between a GPS and the mirror if mounted at the same height as there is no vision restriction related to safely driving a vehicle at least not anymore than the rear view mirror is causing.

[pianoman9701]

It's why you're not supposed to hang the Discover Pass while you're driving.

[bigtex]

It's why you're not supposed to hang the Discover Pass while you're driving.

It's basically not required to be used while driving anymore. The law was changed a couple years ago to state that if your driving on WDFW or DNR lands the only time you need to have it displayed while driving is if the road is blocked by a gate, not many roads fall under that category.

It is still required while driving in State Parks.

[Bob33]

I predict the use of cell phones in motor vehicles will be banned within 10 years. The way it’s going, I figure that in 20 years the only people authorized to drive will be government approved “designated drivers.”

Forty years ago families drove across the country with kids rolling around in the back of a station wagon. Now you can’t sneeze without breaking the law.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Also, the State Parks Season pass, which is white vinyl and required to be mounted on the lower left side of the windshield, must not be considered to obstruct the driver's clear view.  I do remember my girlfriend in high school getting pulled over and verbally warned for the obstructed view due to all the crap hanging from her rear view mirror - but I think it was just a pretext to see if their were any MIPs.

[netcoyote]

.... but I think it was just a pretext to see if their were any MIPs.

MIP's ? 

[ghosthunter]

Wow
I drive around with mine on the window all the time. Never had a officer say a word.
But I got to think the cell phone rule is more important to LE with all the accidents.
Man I could write a 100 tickets a day for cell phones in folks hand up to their heads.

[JimmyHoffa]

.... but I think it was just a pretext to see if their were any MIPs.

MIP's ? 

minor in possession

[JimmyHoffa]

Wow
I drive around with mine on the window all the time. Never had a officer say a word.
But I got to think the cell phone rule is more important to LE with all the accidents.
Man I could write a 100 tickets a day for cell phones in folks hand up to their heads.

Yeah, I wonder about that law.  Always see people talking or texting on phones.  I don't know if it could be much worse without the law.