Tennessee Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

Tennessee allows drivers to mount a phone, GPS, or dashcam on the windshield under T.C.A. section 55-8-199, provided the device does not block the driver's view of the road. Drivers may interact with the mounted device only through a single tap or swipe while in motion, and that tap or swipe cannot activate camera, video, or gaming features.

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 matter. The provision that actually addresses mounted devices is T.C.A. section 55-8-199 (the Hands-Free Law). T.C.A. section 55-9-107 (window tinting) limits what may be applied to the glass itself. T.C.A. section 55-8-165 (obstruction of the driver's view or interference with the driver's control) rounds out the picture, though as explained below its text is narrower than its title suggests.

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

By its terms, T.C.A. section 55-8-165 covers how a vehicle is loaded, the number of people in the front seat, and where a passenger rides. It says nothing about windshields or about objects affixed to the glass, and this guide cites no Tennessee decision extending it to mounted devices.

The rule that actually governs a mounted phone, GPS unit, or camera is T.C.A. section 55-8-199(b)(2)(A), which permits a device mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or center console only when the mounting does not hinder the driver's view of the road. Tennessee law does not specify exact placement zones (such as a 5-inch or 7-inch square in the lower corner, as some states do); that general standard is the test.

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. Because section 55-8-165 is written around loading and occupants, it is not the provision that sets the placement rule for a mounted device. Section 55-8-199(b)(2)(A) is.

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 a video or movie on a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device, other than viewing data related to navigation
• Recording or broadcasting video on such a device. Section 55-8-199(b)(1)(E) expressly exempts electronic devices used for the sole purpose of continuously recording or broadcasting video within or outside the vehicle, which is why dash cams are not caught by this ban

What the Hands-Free Law Allows

The law explicitly permits drivers to:

• Use hands-free earpieces, headphones, or wrist-worn devices for voice calls, but only if the driver is 18 or older
• Press a single button to start or end a voice call, again only if the driver is 18 or older
• 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 age limit matters. The earpiece and one-button allowances in section 55-8-199(b)(1)(A)(i), and the voice-to-text and GPS-navigation allowances in section 55-8-199(b)(1)(B), are written as exceptions for a person 18 years of age or older. A driver under 18 does not get them.

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 device is mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or center console in a manner that does not hinder the driver's view of the road
2. The driver uses one swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a feature, and that swipe or tap does not activate camera, video, or gaming features or functions for viewing, recording, amusement, or other non-navigational purposes. The statute carves out functions related to transporting persons or property for compensation, which is what lets a rideshare or delivery driver work an app screen

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, and tapping a mounted phone to start a camera or a game is outside the exception.

Hands-Free Law Penalties

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

Section 55-8-199(c) sets those fines and classifies the offense as a Class C misdemeanor. It does not set license points. Points come from the Department of Safety's schedule of point values, which assigns 3 points to a handheld device violation and 6 points to operating a vehicle while using a cell phone under the age of 18. The one point figure written into the statute itself is in section 55-8-199(c)(4), added by the Eddie Conrad Act: 7 points for a second or subsequent violation by a driver younger than 18.

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, the Department of Safety's schedule assigns 3 points to an adult driver's handheld device violation. 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

• It is unlawful to affix, apply, or install any material that reduces the windshield's visible light transmittance (VLT) below 70%
• The statute's only exception is the manufacturer's standard installed shade band, the factory-tinted strip along the top of the glass
• Because that shade band is the sole carve-out, an aftermarket tint strip on the windshield is unlawful even if it sits high on the glass. Tennessee's statute contains no AS-1 line provision

Other Window Requirements

• Front side windows must allow at least 35% VLT. The statute makes it unlawful to apply material with a visible light transmittance of less than 35%, so exactly 35% is compliant
• Rear side windows must allow at least 35% VLT
• Rear windshield must allow at least 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

The Department of Safety states that it cannot exempt the windshield, so a medical decal covers the side and rear windows only.

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 statute addressing windshield cracks by name. Section 55-8-165 does not fill that gap either: its text reaches how a vehicle is loaded, the number of people in the front seat, and where a passenger rides, not damaged glass. For a private passenger vehicle, no Tennessee provision sets a crack size or location limit.

Commercial motor vehicles are the exception. Under the federal rule at 49 CFR 393.60, which Tennessee Highway Patrol enforces during commercial inspections, damage in the area swept by the wipers is acceptable only if the chip or crack is smaller than three-quarters of an inch in diameter and is not within three inches of another damaged area.

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, and the Hands-Free Law's ban on recording video does not reach one: section 55-8-199(b)(1)(E) exempts electronic devices used for the sole purpose of continuously recording or broadcasting video within or outside the vehicle. The mounting standard still applies, so a windshield-, dashboard-, or console-mounted camera must be positioned so it does not hinder the driver's view of the road.

Recommended Dash Cam Placement

To keep a dash cam from hindering your view of the road:

• 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, including inspection stickers required by law, may be placed in the area swept by the windshield wipers. Required stickers and decals must be placed at the bottom or sides of the windshield, no more than 4.5 inches from the bottom edge, and outside the driver's sight lines
• 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 anywhere on the windshield that reduces light transmittance below 70%. Only the manufacturer's standard installed shade band is exempt

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mount my phone on the windshield in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee's Hands-Free Law (T.C.A. section 55-8-199) specifically allows drivers to mount a phone or GPS device on the windshield, dashboard, or center console. The mount must not hinder the driver's view of the road, and the driver may only interact with the device using one swipe or tap of a finger, which cannot activate camera, video, or gaming features for viewing, recording, or amusement. Holding the phone in your hand while driving is illegal.

Are dash cameras legal in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee does not have a law that bans dash cameras. The Hands-Free Law's video-recording ban expressly exempts devices used for the sole purpose of continuously recording video, and section 55-8-199(b)(2)(A) requires a mounted device to be positioned so it does not hinder the driver's view of the road. The recommended placement is behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard. Tennessee is also a one-party consent state for audio recording, so a dash cam that records audio is legal as long as the driver consents.

What is the fine for holding a phone while driving in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee's Hands-Free Law, the fine for a first or second offense is up to $50. A third or subsequent offense, or a violation that involves a crash, carries a $100 fine. Violations in school zones or work zones carry a $200 fine. License points are set by the Department of Safety's schedule rather than by the statute, and a handheld device violation is 3 points for an adult. Drivers under 18 face seven points for a second or subsequent offense under the Eddie Conrad Act.

Does Tennessee allow tinted windshields?

Not aftermarket tinting. Under T.C.A. section 55-9-107(a)(1)(B), it is unlawful to affix, apply, or install any material that reduces the windshield's visible light transmittance below 70%, and the only exception the statute names is the manufacturer's standard installed shade band. Tennessee's statute has no AS-1 line provision, and the Department of Safety states that it cannot exempt the windshield, so a medical tint exemption covers the side and rear windows only.

Can I get a ticket for a cracked windshield in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not have a specific cracked windshield statute. Section 55-8-165 does not cover damaged glass either: it addresses how a vehicle is loaded, the number of people in the front seat, and where a passenger rides. The three-quarter-inch chip limit that is often quoted comes from the federal rule at 49 CFR 393.60, which applies to commercial motor vehicles rather than to private passenger cars.