Washington Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
Washington state regulates windshield-mounted devices through RCW 46.37.410, which prohibits nontransparent materials that obstruct the driver's view. The state also sets specific size limits through vehicle inspection regulations and has a strict hands-free electronic device law. This guide covers every aspect of Washington's windshield mounting restrictions.
Washington Windshield Obstruction Law (RCW 46.37.410)
Under RCW 46.37.410, no person may drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of such vehicle that obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.
The statute applies to all motor vehicles operated on public highways in Washington. Every motor vehicle must be equipped with a front windshield manufactured of safety glazing materials in accordance with RCW 46.37.430. Vehicles without windshields require the operator to wear glasses, goggles, or face shields.
The law also requires every motor vehicle windshield to be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture, controllable by the driver.
Device Size Limits
Washington allows windshield-mounted devices but restricts them to specific size limits based on their position:
| Position | Maximum Size | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's side | 5-inch square | Small GPS units, compact dashcams |
| Passenger's side | 7-inch square | Larger GPS units, phone mounts |
| Behind rearview mirror | Must not obstruct view | Dashcams, toll transponders |
These size limits apply to the total footprint of the device, including any mounting bracket or suction cup. A device that exceeds the size limit for its position may be cited as a windshield obstruction.
Forward Obstruction Rule (WAC 204-10-024)
Washington's vehicle inspection regulations under WAC 204-10-024 set an additional standard for objects mounted forward of the windshield. No obstruction forward of the windshield may extend more than 2 inches upward into the horizontally forward projected vision area of the windshield.
The only exceptions are windshield wiper components and hood ornaments identical to those originally installed by the manufacturer. This rule primarily affects external accessories but also applies to any forward-facing device that projects into the driver's line of sight.
GPS and Phone Mount Rules
Washington does not have a specific statute that authorizes or prohibits GPS or phone mounts by name. These devices fall under the general obstruction standard of RCW 46.37.410 and the size limits described above.
A GPS or phone mount on the driver's side must fit within a 5-inch square. On the passenger's side, the limit is a 7-inch square. Mounting a large tablet or oversized device on the windshield is likely to exceed these limits and could result in a citation.
The safest placement options in Washington are:
- A compact mount within the permitted size zones
- A dashboard mount that does not extend into the windshield area
- A vent clip mount that keeps the device off the windshield entirely
- Behind the rearview mirror if the device does not obstruct the driver's view
Hands-Free Interaction
Washington's distracted driving law (RCW 46.61.672) is one of the strictest in the country. It is illegal to hold a personal electronic device while driving, including when the vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light.
Drivers may use a mounted device with only a single touch or swipe to start an app, such as navigation or music. Beyond that single touch, all interaction must be voice-controlled or through the vehicle's built-in system.
The penalties for violating the hands-free law are separate from windshield obstruction fines:
| Offense | Fine |
|---|---|
| First hands-free violation | $136 |
| Second violation within 5 years | $235 |
These fines are reported to insurance companies and can affect insurance rates.
Dashcam Placement
Washington does not have a specific dashcam statute. Dashcams are subject to the same rules as any other windshield-mounted device under RCW 46.37.410.
A dashcam must fit within the allowed size zones (5-inch square on the driver's side or 7-inch square on the passenger's side) and must not obstruct the driver's clear view of the highway. The most common and legally compliant placement is behind the rearview mirror, where the camera is largely hidden from the driver's sightline.
Dashboard-mounted cameras that do not attach to the windshield are not subject to windshield obstruction rules.
Audio Recording
Washington is a two-party consent state for audio recording. If your dashcam records audio inside the vehicle, all occupants must consent to the recording. A dashcam that records video only does not require consent. Many drivers post a small notice in the vehicle informing passengers that audio and video recording is in progress.
Obstructions to Driver's View (RCW 46.61.615)
Washington has a separate statute, RCW 46.61.615, that addresses obstructions to the driver's view from vehicle loading or excess passengers. No person may drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are more than three persons in the front seat, that the driver's view to the front or sides is obstructed or the driver's control over the driving mechanism is impaired.
This statute carries its own penalty of $48 as a base fine, increasing to $73 if an accident occurs in connection with the violation.
Windshield Tinting
Washington regulates window tinting under RCW 46.37.430. The front windshield must allow at least 24% visible light transmission (VLT) on the top 6 inches only. Below that strip, the windshield must remain clear.
Front side windows must allow at least 24% VLT. Rear side windows and the rear window may have any level of tinting.
A vehicle with illegal window tinting may fail its vehicle inspection and will be cited separately from any windshield obstruction violation.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Washington's vehicle inspection standards, administered by the Washington State Patrol, include checks for windshield condition and obstructions. During an inspection, examiners verify:
- The windshield is free of cracks, chips, or damage that impairs visibility
- No nontransparent material obstructs the driver's view
- Windshield wipers are functional and controlled by the driver
- Mounted devices comply with size restrictions
- No forward obstruction extends more than 2 inches into the projected vision area
Vehicles that fail these checks cannot pass inspection until the obstruction is removed or the windshield is repaired.
Penalties for Violations
Windshield obstruction under RCW 46.37.410 is classified as a traffic infraction under Washington law.
| Violation | Base Fine | With Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield obstruction (RCW 46.37.410) | $48 | $73 |
| Obstructed driver view (RCW 46.61.615) | $48 | $73 |
| Hands-free violation, first offense (RCW 46.61.672) | $136 | N/A |
| Hands-free violation, second within 5 years | $235 | N/A |
Traffic infractions in Washington do not carry jail time or criminal penalties. However, multiple equipment violations may result in a vehicle being ordered off the road until repairs are made.
Exemptions
| Exemption | Authority |
|---|---|
| Windshield wipers and wiper components | WAC 204-10-024 |
| Manufacturer-installed hood ornaments | WAC 204-10-024 |
| Government-required stickers and decals | RCW 46.37.410 |
| Devices within permitted size zones (5-inch/7-inch) | Washington enforcement standards |
| Factory-installed windshield tinting (federally compliant) | RCW 46.37.430 |
More Washington Laws
Sources and References
- RCW 46.37.410 - Windshields required, must be unobstructed(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- WAC 204-10-024 - Vehicle inspection windshield requirements(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.61.672 - Using a personal electronic device while driving(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.61.615 - Obstructions to driver's view or driving mechanism(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- Washington State Patrol - Vehicle Equipment Requirements(wsp.wa.gov).gov
- IRLJ 6.2 - Monetary Penalty Schedule for Infractions(courts.wa.gov).gov