Are Windshield Mounts Legal in Your State?

Editor's note: This blog post was updated on July 29, 2025, to maintain accuracy and optimize readability.

Whether you’re out on a drive for a grocery store run or a cross-country trip, you’ll notice many drivers have a phone or GPS unit mounted to their windshield. But did you know that windshield mounts are illegal in most states? Distracted driving is a major cause of motor accidents and fatalities, so it’s not surprising that more states are passing hand-held and windshield mount bans. 

Is it illegal to mount phones on windshields?

States that allow windshield mounts:

• Colorado • North Carolina • Georgia • Ohio • Maine • Oregon • Michigan • Rhode Island
• Minnesota • South Carolina
• Missouri • Tennessee  • New Hampshire

States that allow windshield mounts with conditions:

For these states, mounts are either exempt from regulations or not specifically listed in these regulations. While it’s important to research your specific state’s laws*, as a general rule, mounts should be located on the bottom of a car’s windshield on the driver or passenger side. 

• Alaska • Maryland • Arizona • Montana • California • Nevada • Hawaii • Utah

States that don't allow windshield mounts:

• Alabama
• Kansas • Oklahoma
• Arkansas • Kentucky • Pennsylvania
• Connecticut • Louisiana • South Dakota
• Delaware • Massachusetts • Texas
• District of Columbia • Mississippi • Vermont
• Florida • Nebraska • Virginia • Idaho • New Jersey • Washington
• Illinois • New Mexico
• West Virginia
• Indiana • New York
• Wisconsin
• Iowa • North Dakota
• Wyoming

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Where is the best place to mount your phone?

Dashboard Mounting

Driver and passenger safety is top priority on the road, so finding a good mounting location that doesn’t block your view simply comes down to personal preference – and RAM® has you covered with a variety of options. 

Mounting your device to your vehicle’s dashboard is a great way to keep your device in your line of vision without the distraction on your windshield. Our Flex Adhesive Base and Portable Friction Dashboard Base make great solutions for those who want to avoid windshield and drill-down mounts. 

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Magnetic Mounting

Pairing the RAM® Tough-Mag™  with an adhesive plate turns this industrial-strength magnetic base into a mounting setup in unique spaces in your vehicle, eliminating the need to drill into a vehicle’s dash or other flat surfaces. Pair these two products with any B size arm and device holder. 

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Cupholder Mounting

The RAM® Stubby™ cup holder base is a favorite for low-profile mounting solutions. This base is weighted and has flexible support fins surrounding it, so that when you insert and twist the Stubby™ into your cupholder, you create a secure hold for your device. 

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A-Pillar Mounting

The RAM® Grab Handle & A-Pillar Replacement Kit makes use of a rather unique location only available in some vehicles. By popping the cover off of a the front grab handle, you can turn an existing bolt into a mounting location for you phone that doesn't rely on vents, windshield suction cups, or dashboard adhesives. 

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Rearview Mirror Mounting

The RAM® Tough-Claw™ is a versatile mounting base designed for quick, secure installation and removal. With a simple twist of the knob, it easily clamps behind your rearview mirror—providing a reliable hold when you need it, and effortless removal when you don’t.

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*Always check with your local and state laws to ensure the legality of your windshield mount.

Disclaimer:

Do not install mounts near or over an airbag deployment area or in a location that obstructs the driver’s vision or interferes with vehicle operation. National Products, Inc does not assume responsibility or liability for any such personal injury, death or property damage.