Oregon Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

Oregon takes a strict approach to windshield visibility. Under ORS 815.220, the state uses a general obstruction standard that prohibits any material on the windshield or forward side windows that prevents or impairs the ability to see into or out of the vehicle. Unlike some states that carve out specific size exceptions for mounted devices, Oregon does not provide a designated zone on the windshield where drivers may attach GPS units, phones, or dashcams.

This guide covers the statutes that govern what you can and cannot place on your windshield in Oregon, the penalties for violations, the exemptions that apply, and how the state's hands-free driving law interacts with windshield mounting rules.

Oregon Windshield Obstruction Law (ORS 815.220)

ORS 815.220 is the primary statute governing windshield obstructions in Oregon. A person commits the offense of obstruction of vehicle windows if they drive or move a vehicle on any highway, or own and knowingly permit a vehicle to be driven on any highway, with windows obstructed in a manner the statute prohibits.

What Counts as an Obstruction

The statute defines a prohibited obstruction as any material that "prevents or impairs the ability to see into or out of the vehicle." This includes:

• Signs and posters
• One-way glass
• Adhesive film
• Glaze applications
• Any other material that blocks visibility

The language "any other material" is broad. A suction cup phone mount, a GPS device, a dashcam, or even a large air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror could qualify if it impairs the driver's view.

Which Windows Are Covered

ORS 815.220 applies to three sets of windows:

• The front windshield
• The side-wings (the small triangular windows on older vehicles)
• The side windows on either side forward of or adjacent to the operator's seat

Rear windows and rear side windows behind the driver's seat are not covered by this statute.

Penalty for Windshield Obstruction

Obstruction of vehicle windows under ORS 815.220 is a Class D traffic violation. Under ORS 153.018, the maximum fine for a Class D violation is $250. The presumptive fine (the standard amount a court imposes) is approximately $115.

Violation	Classification	Maximum Fine
Windshield obstruction (ORS 815.220)	Class D traffic violation	$250

GPS and Phone Mounts on the Windshield

Oregon does not have a specific statute that addresses GPS or phone mounts by name. Instead, these devices fall under the general obstruction standard in ORS 815.220. Because the law prohibits "any material" that impairs visibility through the windshield or front side windows, a GPS unit or phone mounted on the windshield is subject to enforcement.

There is no safe zone on the windshield in Oregon. Some states allow devices within a certain number of inches from the bottom or in a corner of the windshield. Oregon has no such provision. Any device placed on the windshield that an officer determines impairs visibility can result in a citation.

Legal Alternatives for Mounting Devices

The safest and most legally defensible options for mounting a GPS or phone in Oregon include:

• Dashboard mounts that attach to the top of the dash using adhesive or friction pads
• Vent clip mounts that attach to the vehicle's air vents
• CD slot mounts that slide into an unused CD player slot
• Cup holder mounts for larger devices
• Magnetic mounts attached to the dashboard surface

These alternatives keep the device within the driver's line of sight without placing any material on the windshield itself.

Dashcam Rules in Oregon

Oregon does not have a specific dashcam statute. A dashcam is treated the same as any other device under the general obstruction law. Mounting a dashcam directly on the windshield creates legal risk under ORS 815.220 because the camera housing constitutes a material placed on the windshield.

The most legally secure placement for a dashcam in Oregon is on the dashboard, positioned to record through the windshield without being attached to the glass. Some drivers mount small dashcams behind the rearview mirror to minimize obstruction, but this placement still technically violates ORS 815.220 because the device is attached to the windshield.

Navigation Display Exemption (ORS 815.240)

ORS 815.240 addresses the use of image display devices in vehicles. A person commits the offense of unlawful use of an image display device if they drive a vehicle equipped with a device displaying a broadcast television image, DVD image, or video that is visible to the driver.

What Is Exempt

ORS 815.240 specifically exempts image display devices used for navigation purposes. This means a GPS screen or navigation app displaying a map is permitted while driving. The exemption applies to:

• Built-in vehicle navigation systems
• Standalone GPS units displaying maps or directions
• Phone apps showing navigation (Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, etc.)

Important Distinction

The navigation exemption in ORS 815.240 allows the display of navigation images. It does not override ORS 815.220, which prohibits placing materials on the windshield. A driver may legally use a navigation display, but the device showing that display still cannot be mounted on the windshield. The device must be mounted on the dashboard, a vent, or another location that does not obstruct the windshield.

The penalty for unlawful use of an image display device is a Class B traffic violation, which carries a maximum fine of $1,000 under ORS 153.018.

Oregon Hands-Free Law (ORS 811.507)

ORS 811.507 is Oregon's hands-free driving law, enacted through House Bill 2597 in 2017 and strengthened by House Bill 4116 in 2018. This law directly affects how drivers interact with mounted devices.

What the Law Prohibits

ORS 811.507 makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while holding or using a mobile electronic device. "Mobile electronic device" includes cell phones, tablets, laptops, GPS devices, and pagers. The law is a primary offense, meaning an officer can pull you over solely for holding a device.

Hands-Free Exception

Drivers 18 years of age or older may use a hands-free accessory. A "hands-free accessory" is defined as an attachment, built-in feature, or addition to a mobile device that allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel. This includes:

• Bluetooth connections
• Voice-activated controls
• Mounted devices operated by voice command
• Built-in vehicle infotainment systems

Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any mobile electronic device while driving, including hands-free devices.

Other Exceptions

ORS 811.507 includes additional exceptions for:

• A person summoning medical or emergency help when no one else in the vehicle can do so
• A person operating an ambulance or emergency vehicle
• A person acting in the scope of employment as a public safety officer

Penalty Structure

The penalties for violating ORS 811.507 escalate significantly with repeat offenses within a 10-year period:

Offense	Classification	Fine Range
First offense	Class B traffic violation	Up to $1,000 (presumptive ~$265)
Second offense (within 10 years)	Class A traffic violation	Up to $2,000
Third or subsequent offense (within 10 years)	Class B misdemeanor	Minimum $2,000 (criminal record)

For a first conviction, the court may suspend the fine if the driver completes an approved distracted driving avoidance course within 120 days of sentencing. The course must be at least 90 minutes long and the participant must score at least 80% to pass. The course can be completed in a classroom or online.

A third or subsequent conviction is a Class B misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense rather than a traffic violation. The court must impose a minimum fine of $2,000 and the conviction creates a criminal record.

Window Tinting Laws (ORS 815.221 and ORS 815.222)

Oregon's window tinting laws interact with the windshield mounting rules because both regulate what can be applied to vehicle windows.

Permitted Tinting

Under ORS 815.221, tinting material may be applied to side and rear windows if it meets these standards:

• Light transmittance of 50% or more for the tinting material itself
• Light reflectance of 13% or less
• Total light transmittance through the window (glass plus tint) of 35% or more

For the windshield, tinting is only permitted on the top six inches. No tinting material may be applied to any other portion of the windshield.

Medical Exemption

Oregon allows a medical exemption for darker window tinting. A physician or optometrist must sign documentation stating that the driver or a member of the driver's household has a physical condition requiring reduced light exposure. The documentation must be kept in the vehicle.

Tinting Violations

Under ORS 815.222, illegal window tinting is a Class B traffic violation with a maximum fine of $1,000. The violation applies both to applying non-compliant tinting and to operating a vehicle with illegal tinting.

Exemptions from Windshield Obstruction Rules

ORS 815.220 includes specific exemptions for:

Exemption	Authority
Safety glazing materials meeting federal standards	ORS 815.220, referencing ORS 815.040
Permits and decals required by law (registration, inspection stickers)	ORS 815.220, referencing ORS 803.650
Tinting applied to the top six inches of the windshield	ORS 815.221
Medical exemption for darker tinting	ORS 815.221

These exemptions do not extend to GPS units, phone mounts, dashcams, or other aftermarket devices. Only materials specifically authorized by statute are exempt from the obstruction prohibition.

How Oregon Compares to Neighboring States

Oregon's windshield mounting laws are among the strictest on the West Coast. Washington and California both allow devices to be mounted in specific areas of the windshield (such as a 5-inch or 7-inch square in designated corners). Oregon provides no such allowance, making dashboard mounting the only clearly legal option.

Idaho, to the east, also uses a general obstruction standard without specific windshield zones, similar to Oregon. Nevada permits devices if they do not materially obstruct the driver's view.

Practical Tips for Oregon Drivers

Following these guidelines will help you stay compliant with Oregon windshield laws:

1. Use a dashboard mount for your phone or GPS. Adhesive and friction mounts designed for dashboards are widely available and keep your windshield clear.

2. Choose a low-profile dashcam and mount it on the dashboard rather than the windshield. Several models come with dashboard-specific mounting hardware.

3. Keep the windshield clean and clear of stickers, decals, and hanging items that are not required by law.

4. Use hands-free features when interacting with any mounted device. Even if your phone is legally mounted on the dashboard, holding it while driving violates ORS 811.507.

5. Drivers under 18 should not interact with any electronic device while driving, even through hands-free systems.

6. Check your window tinting if you have aftermarket tint. The top six inches of the windshield is the only permitted zone, and side windows must allow at least 35% total light transmittance.

More Oregon Laws

• Oregon Recording Laws
• Oregon Lemon Law
• Oregon Dog Bite Laws
• Oregon Hit and Run Laws
• Oregon Car Seat Laws