Tennessee Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

Tennessee does not have a standalone law that specifically addresses mounting GPS units, smartphones, or dash cameras on a vehicle windshield. Instead, several overlapping statutes govern what drivers can and cannot attach to their windshields. The primary laws are T.C.A. section 55-8-165 (obstruction of the driver's view), T.C.A. section 55-8-199 (the Hands-Free Law), and T.C.A. section 55-9-107 (window tinting restrictions).

Understanding how these statutes work together is important for any Tennessee driver who uses a GPS navigation device, a phone mount, or a dash cam. This guide covers each relevant law, the penalties for violations, exemptions, and practical tips for staying compliant.

Tennessee's Windshield Obstruction Law (T.C.A. Section 55-8-165)

The core statute governing windshield obstructions in Tennessee is T.C.A. section 55-8-165, titled "Obstruction of driver's view or interference with driver's control."

This law states that no person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons exceeding four, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

The statute also provides that no passenger in a vehicle shall ride in a position that interferes with the driver's or operator's view ahead or to the sides, or that interferes with the driver's or operator's control over the driving mechanism.

How This Applies to Windshield Mounts

While the original language of T.C.A. section 55-8-165 was written with passengers and cargo in mind, Tennessee courts and law enforcement have applied it broadly to any object that blocks a driver's line of sight. That includes GPS units, phone mounts, dash cameras, and suction-cup accessories placed on the windshield.

The law does not specify exact placement zones (such as a 5-inch or 7-inch square in the lower corner, as some states do). Instead, Tennessee uses a general standard: the mounted device must not obstruct the driver's view of the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic signals.

Penalty for Violating T.C.A. Section 55-8-165

A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor under Tennessee law. Class C misdemeanors carry a maximum fine of $50 and up to 30 days in jail, though jail time is rare for windshield obstruction violations. Most drivers receive a citation and fine.

Officers have discretion in enforcement. A small GPS unit mounted low on the windshield may draw a warning, while a large tablet or multiple devices blocking a significant portion of the windshield could result in a citation.

Tennessee's Hands-Free Law (T.C.A. Section 55-8-199)

Tennessee became a hands-free state on July 1, 2019, when the Hands-Free Law (T.C.A. section 55-8-199) took effect. This law is the most directly relevant statute for drivers who mount phones or GPS devices on their windshields.

What the Hands-Free Law Prohibits

Under T.C.A. section 55-8-199, drivers are prohibited from:

• Holding a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device with any part of their body while operating a motor vehicle
• Reaching for a device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position
• Writing, sending, or reading any text-based communication while driving
• Watching, recording, or broadcasting video while driving

What the Hands-Free Law Allows

The law explicitly permits drivers to:

• Use hands-free earpieces, headphones, or wrist-worn devices for voice calls
• Press a single button to start or end a voice call
• Use a device that is mounted on the vehicle's windshield, dashboard, or center console in a manner that does not hinder the driver's view of the road
• Activate or deactivate a GPS or navigation feature with one press or swipe while the device is mounted
• Listen to streaming music (audio only, with no video display)
• Use a device while the vehicle is lawfully stopped or parked

The Windshield Mount Exception

This is the critical provision for windshield mounts. Tennessee law specifically allows a phone, GPS device, or other electronic device to be mounted on the windshield, as long as two conditions are met:

1. The mount does not hinder the driver's view of the road
2. The driver interacts with the device using only a single tap or swipe

This means suction-cup phone mounts, GPS cradles, and similar accessories are legal in Tennessee when properly positioned. The device must be placed where it does not block the driver's forward or side visibility.

Hands-Free Law Penalties

Violations of the Hands-Free Law carry the following penalties:

Violation	Fine	License Points
First offense	Up to $50	3 points
Second offense	Up to $50	3 points
Third or subsequent offense	$100	3 points
Violation involving a crash	$100	3 points
Violation in a school zone	$200	3 points
Violation in a work zone	$200	3 points

Accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period may trigger a license suspension hearing with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Exemptions From the Hands-Free Law

The following individuals and situations are exempt from T.C.A. section 55-8-199:

• Law enforcement officers performing official duties
• Emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters performing duties
• Campus police and public safety officers
• Utility service employees acting within the scope of employment
• Drivers reporting an emergency to law enforcement or emergency services
• Drivers who are lawfully parked or stopped

The Eddie Conrad Act: Stricter Rules for Teen Drivers

On January 1, 2024, the Eddie Conrad Act (Senate Bill 589) took effect, imposing harsher penalties on drivers under the age of 18 who violate the Hands-Free Law.

The act was named after Eddie Conrad, who was killed in a vehicle crash in July 2020 when a distracted driver rear-ended his vehicle, pushing it into oncoming traffic.

Key Provisions for Minors

Under the Eddie Conrad Act, a second or subsequent violation of the Hands-Free Law by a driver younger than 18 results in seven points added to their driving record. Since accumulating just six points within 12 months can trigger a suspension hearing for minors, a single repeat offense can lead to license suspension for six to 12 months.

For comparison, adult drivers receive three to five points per offense. The Eddie Conrad Act does not change penalties for drivers 18 and older.

Tennessee's Window Tint Law (T.C.A. Section 55-9-107)

Tennessee's window tint statute also affects what can be applied to a windshield. Under T.C.A. section 55-9-107:

Windshield Tint Requirements

• The windshield must allow at least 70% visible light transmittance (VLT)
• Tinting material is only permitted above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (the shade band area at the top of the windshield)
• Any aftermarket tint on the windshield below the AS-1 line that reduces light transmittance below 70% is illegal

Other Window Requirements

• Front side windows must allow more than 35% VLT
• Rear side windows must allow more than 35% VLT
• Rear windshield must allow more than 35% VLT
• No window may have a mirrored or metallic reflective appearance

Professional Installer Requirements

Professional tint installers in Tennessee must:

• Affix an adhesive label to the lower right corner of the driver's side window identifying the tint applied
• Provide each customer with a signed receipt documenting the work performed
• Ensure the tinting they apply does not violate state law

Medical Exemptions for Window Tint

Tennessee allows medical exemptions for individuals with conditions aggravated by ultraviolet light (such as lupus or severe photosensitivity). To qualify:

1. Obtain a written statement from a licensed physician certifying the medical need
2. Submit the statement to the Commissioner of Safety
3. If approved, the Commissioner issues a certificate or decal specifying the degree of exemption
4. Display the certificate or decal in the vehicle at all times

Windshield Condition Requirements

Tennessee law requires all vehicles with windshields to meet basic safety standards under T.C.A. section 55-9-203 and related provisions.

Windshield Wipers

Every motor vehicle with a windshield must be equipped with at least two windshield wipers in good working condition, unless a single wiper blade can clear to within one inch of each side of the windshield. The wipers must be controllable by the driver. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor.

Safety Glass

All windshields and windows in Tennessee must be made of safety glass (laminated or tempered glazing material) that meets federal safety standards under FMVSS 205. Windshields must meet the federal minimum of 70% light transmittance in areas necessary for driving visibility.

Cracked or Damaged Windshields

Tennessee does not have a specific statute addressing windshield cracks by name. However, under the general obstruction law (T.C.A. section 55-8-165), a windshield crack that substantially impairs the driver's visibility could be cited. Law enforcement officers use their judgment to determine whether the damage is severe enough to constitute an obstruction.

Under federal guidelines that Tennessee follows, windshield damage is generally acceptable if the chip or crack is smaller than three-quarters of an inch in diameter and is not located within three inches of another area of damage. Damage in the critical vision area directly in front of the driver is more likely to draw enforcement action.

Dash Cam Rules in Tennessee

Dash cameras are legal in Tennessee. There is no state law that specifically prohibits installing or using a dashboard camera. However, the same windshield obstruction rules apply.

Recommended Dash Cam Placement

To avoid violating T.C.A. section 55-8-165:

• Mount the dash cam behind the rearview mirror where it does not block the driver's forward view
• Use a small, compact camera that does not extend significantly below the rearview mirror area
• Consider a dashboard-mounted camera instead of a windshield-mounted unit
• Ensure the camera does not obstruct the windshield wipers' path

Audio Recording Considerations

Tennessee is a one-party consent state for audio recording under T.C.A. section 39-13-601. This means a dash cam that records audio is legal as long as at least one person in the vehicle (typically the driver) consents to the recording. You do not need to inform passengers that audio is being recorded, though informing them is considered good practice.

Commercial Vehicle Windshield Rules

Commercial vehicles operating in Tennessee must comply with both state law and federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

FMCSA Windshield Requirements (49 CFR 393.60)

Commercial motor vehicles are subject to stricter windshield standards:

• Windshields must be free of cracks, discoloration, or other damage that impairs the driver's field of vision
• No stickers, decals, or mounted devices may be placed in the area swept by the windshield wipers, except as required by law (such as inspection stickers in states that require them)
• Electronic logging devices (ELDs) and GPS units must be mounted so they do not obstruct the driver's view

Tennessee Highway Patrol's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division conducts inspections that include windshield condition checks. Violations can result in the vehicle being placed out of service until the issue is corrected.

Best Practices for Windshield Mounts in Tennessee

Based on Tennessee's overlapping statutes, here are practical guidelines for mounting devices on your windshield legally:

Phone and GPS Mounts

• Mount the device as low as possible on the windshield, near the lower corner on the passenger side, or use a dashboard or center console mount instead
• Choose a compact mount that does not extend far from the windshield surface
• Position the device so it does not block your view of the road, traffic signals, or side mirrors
• Interact with the device only through a single tap or swipe while driving
• Never hold the device in your hand while the vehicle is in motion

Dash Cameras

• Position the camera behind the rearview mirror to minimize obstruction
• Use a small, low-profile camera
• Ensure the camera does not interfere with windshield wiper operation
• Consider a dashboard mount as an alternative to windshield mounting

Toll Transponders and Stickers

Tennessee does not have toll roads, so there is no state requirement for toll transponders or windshield-mounted toll devices. If you travel to neighboring states with toll roads (such as Kentucky or Georgia), you may need a transponder, but within Tennessee, this is not a concern.

Items to Avoid on the Windshield

• Large tablets or screens that cover a significant portion of the windshield
• Multiple mounted devices that collectively block visibility
• Stickers, posters, or non-transparent materials that interfere with the driver's clear view of the road
• Aftermarket tinting below the AS-1 line that reduces light transmittance below 70%

More Tennessee Laws

If you are looking for information on other Tennessee legal topics, these guides may help:

• Tennessee Recording Laws
• Tennessee Lemon Law
• Tennessee Car Seat Laws
• Tennessee Hit and Run Laws
• Tennessee Dog Bite Laws
• Tennessee Child Support Laws
• Tennessee Statute of Limitations
• Tennessee Whistleblower Laws
• Tennessee Sexting Laws