Vermont Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
Vermont restricts what drivers can mount on or attach to their windshields through 23 VSA 1125. The law does not impose a total ban on all windshield-mounted devices but sets strict size and placement limits. Understanding these rules is essential whether you use a dashcam, GPS unit, or phone mount.
Vermont Windshield Obstruction Law (23 VSA 1125)
Under 23 VSA 1125, no person may operate a motor vehicle on which material or items have been painted on, adhered to, or hung behind any transparent part of the windshield, vent windows, or side windows located immediately to the left and right of the operator.
The statute also prohibits hanging objects from the rearview mirror or any other part of the vehicle when the item materially obstructs the driver's view. Air fresheners, parking passes, and similar items are allowed only when they do not create a meaningful visual obstruction.
Vermont treats windshield obstruction as a civil traffic violation handled through the Judicial Bureau rather than the criminal courts.
Permitted Windshield Zones
Vermont law carves out specific areas of the windshield where nontransparent materials are allowed:
| Zone | Maximum Size | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Upper left corner | 2 inches high x 2.5 inches wide | Inspection stickers, small decals |
| Upper right corner | 4 inches high x 18 inches wide | Dealer plates, permits (dealer use) |
| Lower right corner | 4 inches high x 12 inches wide | Dashcams, registration stickers |
| Behind rearview mirror | No specific size stated | Toll transponders |
The upper right corner allowance of 4 inches by 18 inches applies specifically to licensed dealers displaying required documentation. Standard drivers should focus on the upper left, lower right, and behind-mirror zones.
GPS and Phone Mount Rules
Vermont does not have a standalone statute authorizing GPS or phone mounts on the windshield. Instead, the state's hands-free driving law (23 VSA 1095b) defines how portable electronic devices must be mounted.
Under this law, a device qualifies as "securely mounted" when it is placed in an accessory specifically designed to support hands-free use and is not affixed to the windshield in violation of section 1125. The mount must either follow manufacturer specifications or keep the device completely stationary under typical driving conditions.
In practice, this means windshield-mounted phone holders are restricted to the permitted zones described above. Drivers who want a phone or GPS visible while navigating should consider a dashboard mount or vent clip to avoid any conflict with section 1125.
Hands-Free Interaction
Vermont's hands-free law prohibits holding a portable electronic device while driving. Drivers may use a single touch or swipe to activate or deactivate hands-free features, but only when the device is securely mounted or the action is performed through the vehicle's built-in system.
Texting, scrolling, and manual dialing while driving are prohibited. Voice commands and single-touch navigation activation are permitted when the device is properly mounted.
Dashcam Placement
Vermont does not have a specific dashcam statute. Dashcams are treated like any other windshield-mounted device under 23 VSA 1125.
A dashcam that fits within the lower right windshield zone (4 inches high by 12 inches long) is the safest legal placement. Alternatively, a dashcam placed behind the rearview mirror is generally acceptable because toll transponders are specifically permitted in that area, and the same logic applies to small devices that do not obstruct the driver's view.
Dashboard-mounted cameras avoid windshield placement issues entirely and are always permitted as long as they do not interfere with the driver's control of the vehicle.
Windshield Tinting
Vermont regulates windshield tinting through the same statute (23 VSA 1125). The general rule prohibits applying any nontransparent material to the windshield or front side windows.
Factory-installed tinting that meets federal safety standards is permitted. Aftermarket tinting on the windshield or front side windows requires a medical exemption.
Medical Exemption for Tinting
The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may grant an exemption for a person who needs sun shielding for medical reasons. The application must include a document signed by a licensed physician or optometrist certifying the medical necessity. The exemption applies only to the vent windows or side windows immediately to the left and right of the operator.
Medical tint certifications must be renewed every four years.
Electronic Toll Transponders
Electronic toll-collection transponders receive a specific exemption under 23 VSA 1125. They may be placed either between the roof line and the rearview mirror post or behind the rearview mirror.
This exemption is relevant for Vermont drivers who use E-ZPass or similar transponders when traveling on toll roads in neighboring states.
Inspection Sticker Placement
Vermont requires annual vehicle inspections, and the inspection sticker must be displayed on the windshield. Current regulations place the inspection sticker in the bottom left corner of the windshield. This placement is authorized under the statute's exception for stickers required by governmental regulation.
During a vehicle inspection, examiners will check for windshield obstructions. Items that violate section 1125 may result in an inspection failure.
Changes Effective July 1, 2026
Vermont enacted legislation in 2024 that takes effect on July 1, 2026, modifying how window tinting is handled during vehicle inspections. Under the updated rules, vehicles with tinting that violates section 1125 will fail their periodic inspection rather than receiving only an advisory notice.
This change means drivers with non-compliant tinting on their windshield or front side windows will need to remove the tinting before their vehicle can pass inspection. The core windshield mounting and obstruction provisions remain unchanged.
Penalties for Violations
Windshield obstruction violations under 23 VSA 1125 are handled as civil traffic violations through the Vermont Judicial Bureau.
| Penalty Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum fine | $47 |
| Waiver penalty (pay without contest) | $105 |
| Maximum fine | $1,197 |
| License points | None |
| Criminal record | No (civil violation) |
The waiver penalty of $105 allows drivers to resolve the ticket without appearing before the Judicial Bureau. Drivers who contest the ticket and lose may face a fine anywhere within the $47 to $1,197 range at the hearing officer's discretion.
Exemptions
| Exemption | Authority |
|---|---|
| Rearview mirrors | 23 VSA 1125 |
| Electronic toll transponders (behind mirror or between roof and mirror post) | 23 VSA 1125 |
| Inspection stickers and government-required decals | 23 VSA 1125 |
| Dealer documentation (upper right corner, dealer vehicles only) | 23 VSA 1125 |
| Medical sun-shielding exemption (side windows only, physician certified) | 23 VSA 1125 |
| Hanging items that do not materially obstruct the driver's view | 23 VSA 1125 |
More Vermont Laws
Sources and References
- 23 VSA 1125 - Obstructing windshields, windows(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 23 VSA 1095b - Handheld use of portable electronic device prohibited(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- Vermont Judicial Bureau Waiver Penalty Schedule(vermontjudiciary.org).gov
- Vermont DMV - Vehicle Inspections(dmv.vermont.gov).gov
- Vermont Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations(law.cornell.edu)