Positioning Navigation Devices on the Vehicle's Windscreen :

Positioning Navigation Devices on the Vehicle's Windscreen

Modified on: Wed, 16 Oct, 2024 at 2:10 PM

What do we mean by "navigation device"

A navigation device is any device which you might use as an aid to navigating your vehicle.

A Hema Navigator or other traditional vehicle GPS is a prime example of such a device, but you would also include devices such as mobile phones and tablets if they are being used for this purpose.

Where should you mount your navigation device on the windscreen in your vehicle?

Common sense should prevail here, but it also depends on the laws applicable in your state. It is worth checking with the motoring bodies (NRMA, RACQ, RACV, RAA, etc.) in your state, as government regulations change frequently.

Some general tips:

Try to place the device in areas which are NOT covered by your windscreen wipers.
Position the device in a place that won’t affect your view of the road or your ability to drive safely.
Avoid mounting the device in the centre of your windscreen where it might block your view of the road and potential road hazards.
Be wary of mounting locations where the location causes the device or its power cord to interfere with vehicle controls and indicators.
Because your height and seating position, and the size of the device can vary significantly, it is difficult to specify an exact location for a device that can be applied in every given situation.

Some definite DON'Ts:

DON'T mount the device in a location that could cause injury to the driver or a passenger in a crash.
DON'T mount the device where an airbag system will come into contact with it during deployment.
DON'T mount the device close enough to the rear-view mirror that it interferes with operation of the mirror.
DON'T mount the device high on the windscreen where the location means that the device's power cord obstructs the driver's field of view.

The image below shows some locations that people use which you might see on the road.

Location 1 & 2 - probably the best options. Location 1 is the recommended option. Location 2 can be used as long as the device does not project too high into the driver's field of view.

Location 3 - The next best option, again, providing that the device does not obstruct the driver's field of view.

Location 4, 5 & 6 - not recommended due to reasons outlined above.

Notes regarding tablets

It has become common to use multi-purpose devices such as mobile phones and tablets in-vehicle as navigation devices due to the widespread adoption and use of these types of devices.

As a general rule, we would not recommend using windscreen mounting systems on larger devices.

As you are probably aware, tablets come in a large variety of sizes. The smaller tablets (such as those with 7" screens) are at the upper end of what would be an acceptable size for windscreen mounting.

For example, an iPad Mini is small enough that it could be mounted on a windscreen in certain vehicles, with regard to the safety points raised in this article. However, a full-sized iPad should not be seen as a device which could be safely mounted on the windscreen.

For larger devices, a whole host of other options are available, such as floor-mounted flexible neck mounting brackets, etc.

Remember!

This information above is provided for information purposes only.

The specific rules and laws in your state may vary or be more specific about sensible and/or legally allowed locations for electronic devices.

It is YOUR responsibility to ascertain the specific rules governing your state, and make the appropriate changes to suit these requirements.

Obviously, these guidelines apply equally to other devices and gadgets which are windscreen mountable, such as crash cams (DVRs), reverse camera monitors and indicators, etc.