[ds968]

Ok, I see... If I mount the radar detector that low it will probably be far less effective ( I think..) not only limiting the signal pick up range ahead of you, but severely diminishes the one behind you, as opposed to a unit mounted nearly the top of the windshield which has vantage clearance to the rear of the car through the clear hatchback.

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[flash]

there are varying opinions regarding the effectiveness of location



mounting high makes the radar pickup more effective, as it is a pretty wide beam, but makes the laser pickup less effective due to the fact that it is a very narrow beam and they aim at the license plate or headlights, and not the windshield.



where to put it depends largely on where you expect to run into issues. if all you do is drive highway, i would place it higher up. if you drive mostly city, i would place it lower.



placing it only in a legal location of course

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[lbpesq]

It appears the section was amended since I last had to look it up. The correct section is Vehicle Code §26708. The relevant portions are:







(a) (1) A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.



(2) A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle that obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows.



(3) This subdivision applies to a person driving a motor vehicle with the driver's clear vision through the windshield, or side or rear windows, obstructed by snow or ice.



(b)This section does not apply to any of the following:



(1) Rearview mirrors.



(2) Adjustable nontransparent sunvisors that are mounted forwardof the side windows and are not attached to the glass.



(3) Signs, stickers, or other materials that are displayed in aseven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, signs, stickers, or other materials that are displayed in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the rear window farthest removed from the driver, or signs, stickers, or other materials that are displayed in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver.



(4) Side windows that are to the rear of the driver.



(5) Direction, destination, or terminus signs upon a passenger common carrier motor vehicle or a school bus, if those signs do not interfere with the driver's clear view of approaching traffic.



(6) Rear window wiper motor.



(7) Rear trunk lid handle or hinges.



(8) The rear window or windows, if the motor vehicle is equipped with outside mirrors on both the left- and right-hand sides of the vehicle that are so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway through each mirror for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.



(9) A clear, transparent lens affixed to the side window opposite the driver on a vehicle greater than 80 inches in width and that occupies an area not exceeding 50 square inches of the lowest corner toward the rear of that window and that provides the driver with a wide-angle view through the lens.



(10) Sun screening devices meeting the requirements of Section26708.2 installed on the side windows on either side of the vehicle'sfront seat, if the driver or a passenger in the front seat has inhis or her possession a letter or other document signed by a licensed physician and surgeon certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a medical condition, or has in his or her possession a letter or other document signed by a licensed optometrist certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a visual condition. The devices authorized by this paragraph shall not be used during darkness.



(11) An electronic communication device affixed to the center uppermost portion of the interior of a windshield within an area that is not greater than five inches square, if the device provides either of the following:



A. The capability for enforcement facilities of the Department of the California Highway Patrol to communicate with a vehicle equipped with the device.



B. The capability for electronic toll and traffic management on public or private roads or facilities.



(12) A portable Global Positioning System (GPS), which may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver or in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone, if the system is used only for door-to-door navigation while the motor vehicle is being operated.







I think if one were to get a ticket for a radar detector mounted in the lower corners (like GPS - (12) or "Signs, stickers, or other materials" (3)) or upper middle (fasttrak modules (7)), you would have a very good case on a rational basis challenge. I have read a similar case where a guy got cited for one of those cardboard evergreen tree deodorizers hanging from his rear view mirror, and after hearing from an expert that it didn't interfere with his line of sight, the court ruled for the defendant.



Bill

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[flash]

i would agree except for the fact that they went to some length to be specific about the exceptions. a radar detector is NOT listed, and i'm reasonably sure that was intentional. after all, they have laws about radar detectors and trucks.



but then, it is traffic court and it's up to the judge, so......................

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