10/3/08-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill allowing drivers to take advantage of technology intended to help with navigation. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2009.
State law now prohibits anyone from driving with objects or materials placed, displayed, installed, affixed or applied upon windshields. Exceptions are made for such items as rearview mirrors, toll road transponders and small stickers.
The new law, previously SB1567, allows global positioning system devices to be affixed to vehicle windshields in specific locations.
Portable GPS devices will be permitted to be mounted “in the seven-inch square in the lower corner farthest removed from the driver.” They also could be installed “in the five-inch square in the lower corner nearest the driver.”
The device could only be used for door-to-door navigation while the vehicle is in operation.

8/11/08-The Assembly unanimously approved a bill that would allow would allow global positions system devices to be affixed to vehicle windshields in specific locations. The Senate already approved it on a 38-1 vote.
State law now prohibits anyone from driving with objects or materials placed, displayed, installed, affixed or applied upon windshields. Exceptions are made for such items as rearview mirrors, toll road transponders and small stickers.
Sponsored by Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, SB1567 would allow global positions system devices to be affixed to vehicle windshields in specific locations.
Portable GPS devices would be authorized to be mounted “in the seven-inch square in the lower corner farthest removed from the driver.” They also could be installed “in the five-inch square in the lower corner nearest the driver.”
The device could only be used for door-to-door navigation while the vehicle is in operation.
The bill now moves to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk. For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

6/10/08-The Senate voted 38-1 to advance a bill to the Assembly that would allow global positioning system devices to be affixed to vehicle windshields in specified locations.
State law now prohibits anyone from driving with objects or materials placed, displayed, installed, affixed or applied upon windshields. Exceptions are made for such items as rearview mirrors, toll road transponders and small stickers.
Sponsored by Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, SB1567 would authorize portable GPS devices to be mounted “in the seven-inch square in the lower corner farthest removed from the driver.” They also could be installed “in the five-inch square in the lower corner nearest the driver.”
The device could only be used for door-to-door navigation while the vehicle is in operation.
The bill is in the Assembly Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.