Radar detector mount question

[kang]

I’m considering getting a radar detector (you can guess why…). However, mounting it on the windshield would seem to violate California law. Section 26708 of the vehicle code states:

Material Obstructing or Reducing Driver's View

26708. (a) (1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.

(2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle which obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows.

You can read the whole section here: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm

It goes on to state some exceptions, but it’s pretty clear to me that a radar detector, suction cupped to the windshield or clipped to a visor, could be considered to “reduce the driver’s clear view.” I can see some cop, pissed that you saw his radar and slowed down, giving you a ticket for this. I think it would be a “fix-it” type ticket, but still.

What do others do in this situation? I’m sure other states have similar laws.

Ideas and comments are welcome.

[cstreit]

Mounting it above the rear view mirror won't obstruct your view of anything other than airplanes and billboards. I doubt it would hold up to the intent of the law in court.

[RickM]

I've designed and sold suction cup mounts back in the early eighties. I've never heard of such a law being enforced.

As Chris mentions mounting it so the face showns over (or under) the RV mirror is ideal.....the higher the better for reception as well. This placement was exactly why I designed the coiled power cord which is now on every detector.

[84porsche]

I have had a radar detector in my window, I keep the clip mounted for my Bel 980 and can remove the detector pretty quickly if needed. Needless to say I have been pulled over with my radar detector in the window and the only thing that happened was I got a speeding ticket due to listening the radio too loud and with wind noise I didn't hear the detector going off. It is not one of the enforced laws in CA that I have seen. Also consider the fact the toll road transponders violate this law.

[kang]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I’ll just risk it, but it doesn’t seem like too much risk.

RickM, do you work for a radar detector company? Hopefully it will fit over the rear view mirror. Under it would block my vision enough to make me uncomfortable, regardless of the law. If it won’t fit over the mirror, it will have to go down low, just above the dash.

84porsche, there is an exception in the VC for toll road transponders, as long as they are down low and to the side. There are numerous exceptions, but guess what, radar detectors are not one of them. Surprise surprise.

[RickM]

Kang, no I don't. When the Escort first came out I designed a multi-angular windshield mount (the Spi-Pod - pronounced Spy-Pod) and started my own mail-order business. My only other competition was from Vasek Polak. However, his original mount was not multi-angular.
I'll try to find some ad pics just to see if anyone here remembers it.

[Steve Carlton]

I don't imagine getting a ticket for having the detector in the windshield. But I do see the officer being more likely to write me up for something if he sees it there.

How about mounting it remotely? Also, consider equipping yourself for laser detection/shifting (jamming):

http://www.passportsr1.com/

[kang]

Thanks Steve. The remote mounts are too expensive for me (>$1000 plus installation), plus I cannot move it from car to car.

Laser jamming/shifting is illegal in my state.

Hopefully if I put it above the mirror in my p-car, and hide the wire in the window trim, he won't see it. He'd have to duck down pretty low to see above the mirror. The downsides are less rear exposure and it goes through the window tint. But I guess there is always a trade off.

[Eric Coffey]

A bit pricey, but a pretty cool option/solution:

http://www.apexcone.com/prod_invisimirror.html

Originally designed for BMW, but shouldn't be too hard to retrofit.