Are Global Positioning System (GPS) map units mounted on the vehicle windshield legal?
I’ve seen many cars with these devices stuck right in the middle of the glass. A: The provincial Highway Traffic Act prohibits having any object obstructing the driver’s view through the windshield or windows. Section 73(1) HTA states that “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.” To avoid possibly running afoul of the law, it might be best to mount your GPS unit to the front of the dash (not on top) below the level of the windshield. For safety, motorists should only rely on audio directions from the GPS rather than watching the screen when driving. Charges under S. 73(1) HTA carry a $110 penalty. And, yes, before you write in, I’m aware that police themselves often have equipment
