GPS windhield mounting and usage laws in Ontario

[roxbird]

Does anyone know what the latest law is regarding the use of GPS devices in cars? Reason I am asking is because I heard from someone that you are not allowed to mount a GPS in the center of the windshield, but it has to be on the left side. Is this true?

I think it's worth looking into considering the recent law prohibiting the use of cell phones or other touch/pda electronic devices in cars. I imagine that it would exclude GPS, but then what about when you are "touching the screen" to work certain functions - is that illegal too?

[flyz]

Does anyone know what the latest law is regarding the use of GPS devices in cars? Reason I am asking is because I heard from someone that you are not allowed to mount a GPS in the center of the windshield, but it has to be on the left side. Is this true?

I think it's worth looking into considering the recent law prohibiting the use of cell phones or other touch/pda electronic devices in cars. I imagine that it would exclude GPS, but then what about when you are "touching the screen" to work certain functions - is that illegal too?

From MTO:


4.
What is allowed/not allowed under the new law?
A. The ban applies to hand-held wireless communication devices, hand-held electronic entertainment devices and viewing display screens that are not related to the driving task.
As a driver, your first responsibility is to drive safely. If you must make a call or use a wireless device while driving, you may do so in a “hands-free” manner. For example:

a cell phone with an earpiece, headset or Bluetooth device using voice dialling, or plugged into the vehicle’s sound system

a global positioning system (GPS) device that is properly secured to the dashboard or windshield.

a portable audio player (MP3 player) that has been plugged into the vehicle’s sound system.

Hand-held use of cell phones, satellite phones or smart phones while driving is not permitted. This includes dialing, talking, emailing, texting, using it as a hand-held GPS device, using it as a hand-held MP3 player, and hand-held use for other purposes.
5.
How do I use a wireless device in a hands-free manner?
A. Communications devices (i.e., cell phones, smart phones):
Drivers are only permitted to push the button on a wireless communication device to activate and/or deactivate a “hands-free” function.
While many hands-free wireless communication devices on the market are entirely voice-activated, there are some that require a button to be pressed to either activate or turn off the device. The device should be mounted or secured on the dashboard or in a place that is easily accessible to the driver without requiring him or her to adjust their position.
Entertainment devices (i.e., MP3 players) and GPS devices:
Drivers must program and activate GPS devices before starting their trip, and not touch the device while driving. MP3 players must also not be touched while driving and should only be operated through the vehicle’s entertainment system controls.

[beleafer81]

FLYZ post shows is that it isn't illegal due to distraction laws. However can be illegal due to obstructing the view of the driver....

OHTA Section 73(1) "no person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway, with any sign, poster or other non-transparent material or object placed on the windshield or on any window of such motor vehicle; or with any object placed in, hung on or attached to the motor vehicle, in a manner that will obstruct the driver's view of the highway or any intersecting highway."

The police, at least in Ottawa say they are going to be taking it seriously.... http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/12/14/fines-upcoming-for-sloppy-gps-locations I also remember this as making other newspapers around the same time, so YMMV.

I prefer to use this.. http://www.amazon.ca/Duragadget-holder-mount-plate-Navigon/dp/B002E2Y1J8
it is safer and keeps the GPS closer and easier to use... while driving... J/K

[roxbird]

Thanks for the info guys. Reading this, it doesn't sound like there is a specific requirement in Ontario for a GPS to be mounted on the LEFT side of the windshield. Odd thins is I was told that police in Ontario are starting to give tickets for GPS that are mounted in the center and not on the left. I don't know if the individual who reported this might have been making it up, or was simply misinformed. This is the kind of "detail" I find you need to be clear on though, because when you least expect it you can get pulled over for something you thought was ok all along.

Personally I would find such a law (requiring GPS on the left vs. center of WS) to be surprising if it is indeed true. I see drivers with GPS units mounted in the center of their windshields quite often, and I never thought this was an issue.

[DavidY]

Thanks for the info guys. Reading this, it doesn't sound like there is a specific requirement in Ontario for a GPS to be mounted on the LEFT side of the windshield. Odd thins is I was told that police in Ontario are starting to give tickets for GPS that are mounted in the center and not on the left. I don't know if the individual who reported this might have been making it up, or was simply misinformed. This is the kind of "detail" I find you need to be clear on though, because when you least expect it you can get pulled over for something you thought was ok all along.
Personally I would find such a law (requiring GPS on the left vs. center of WS) to be surprising if it is indeed true. I see drivers with GPS units mounted in the center of their windshields quite often, and I never thought this was an issue.

From http://m.ottawasun.com/2011/12/14/fines-upcoming-for-sloppy-gps-locations

Pretty soon cops will stop warning people not to fasten their in-car GPS units in the middle of the windshield, rather than down in the lower-left corner.

The current “education campaign” will eventually turn to $110 tickets like everything else.

“Hopefully people will appreciate that I’m giving them a break,” said east division traffic Sgt. Mark Gatien. “That’s what I’ll do to start with and that’s what I’ve instructed my officers to do.”

But, if he can prove that distraction or obstruction by GPS is the cause of a crash — all bets are off.

“I will charge them,” he said.

List of US states and Canadian provinces regarding GPS mounts on windshields (not sure if this remains current):

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/34521

I just installed a mounting disc in the lower centre console. I typically prefer less glare than if mounted elsewhere....a coffee cup mount in the upper centre console was considered, but I didn't want to pay the $30 price.

Dave

[pnyknights]

What some folks seem to forget about is that there's an airbag behind one of those pillars. You don't want you GPS flying if that thing goes off.

[googoo]

I just installed a mounting disc in the lower centre console. I typically prefer less glare than if mounted elsewhere

Perfect, you should never have your GPS in the middle of the dash, it blocks a huge portion of your window for what reason?? Most people just leave them there forever.