All iPads Drivers! Are iPad Car Mounts Illegal?

[HappyDude20]

*obviously they're not illegal to sell, but rather is it illegal to have one mounted and on whilst operating a vehicle? Perhaps there are minor allowances to the rule, say, Google Maps is okay according to the law but not YouTube? I truly don't know and figure I'd ask before purchasing one on eBay.

There's a cup holder ipad version for less th ten bucks but seems to close to me while driving, forcing me to look down.

As suction cup version that adheres to your windshield goes for 15$ but this looks unsafe with a 3rd gen heavy ipad.

I'm looking at one that bolts to the passenger seat and goes for $30ish

Any tips, help n opinions welcome.

 

[Gav2k]

If videos are played and your watching and driving your breaking the law. However if it's music or gps running then no your not.

 

[cdmoore74]

I made a custom mount for my Note 3 and it's good enough. I can see a Nexus 7 or maybe a ipad mini but a full size ipad is way too big. It will draw unwanted attention from cops. Megellen makes a 7" gps unit so using a Nexus 7 for gps should not be an issue. And just like the guy above me said; only gps and music.

 

[gnasher729]

I made a custom mount for my Note 3 and it's good enough. I can see a Nexus 7 or maybe a ipad mini but a full size ipad is way too big. It will draw unwanted attention from cops. Megellen makes a 7" gps unit so using a Nexus 7 for gps should not be an issue. And just like the guy above me said; only gps and music.

In case of an accident, I wouldn't want an iPad flying through my car. I'd look very carefully at how exactly that mount works, whether it's legal or not.

 

[Newtons Apple]

My "tip or opinion" is to put your iPad in the back seat and watch where you are driving.

SOrry but I see too many people distracted by their phones.

 

[maflynn]

I think you'd need to check with your local state or municipality. It's possible that it may be prohibited in some communities and not others.

 

[cdmoore74]

In case of an accident, I wouldn't want an iPad flying through my car. I'd look very carefully at how exactly that mount works, whether it's legal or not.

My current setup consist of 2 Ram mounts and a Ram arm. My Ram ball mount is directly bolted to the center console in both my car and truck making interchangeability not a problem. I then used oak wood and fabricated a holder that fits my phone with case. As for a 7" tablet I bought a 7" Ram tablet holder. I've used that setup on my motorcycle with no issues but plan on using a custom mount I made for my phone. Ram mounts are great but I don't trust their universal x-grip system especially on a motorcycle.
And just to repeat I only do this for GPS purposes and music. Never watch movies or anything else not related to driving.
I personally believe that anything over 7" is just too big. Just look at current car LCD screen sizes.

 

[saberahul]

My current setup consist of 2 Ram mounts and a Ram arm. My Ram ball mount is directly bolted to the center console in both my car and truck making interchangeability not a problem. I then used oak wood and fabricated a holder that fits my phone with case. As for a 7" tablet I bought a 7" Ram tablet holder. I've used that setup on my motorcycle with no issues but plan on using a custom mount I made for my phone. Ram mounts are great but I don't trust their universal x-grip system especially on a motorcycle.
And just to repeat I only do this for GPS purposes and music. Never watch movies or anything else not related to driving.
I personally believe that anything over 7" is just too big. Just look at current car LCD screen sizes.

Like Tesla's?

 

[ant69]

this is the way to do it!

http://www.soundmanca.com/ipad-mini...how-to-install-an-ipad-in-your-cars-dashboard


Anthony

 

[HappyDude20]

I made a custom mount for my Note 3 and it's good enough. I can see a Nexus 7 or maybe a ipad mini but a full size ipad is way too big. It will draw unwanted attention from cops. Megellen makes a 7" gps unit so using a Nexus 7 for gps should not be an issue. And just like the guy above me said; only gps and music.

A picture would be great if you have one... I made one years ago for the original ipad with only two hooks and a steel wire from Home Depot but I felt it rested to high up on the dash which was a distraction.

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In case of an accident, I wouldn't want an iPad flying through my car. I'd look very carefully at how exactly that mount works, whether it's legal or not.

If I had children and a baby seat in the back I wouldn't even entertain the idea of a car mount but nevertheless safety is still a concern.

Something like this here I picture being a huge hazard:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Windshi...der_Mounts_Stands_Holders&hash=item1c307924c2

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My "tip or opinion" is to put your iPad in the back seat and watch where you are driving.

SOrry but I see too many people distracted by their phones.

I feel too many people are distracted via their phones as well. I think this mount is my favorite:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flexible-Ta...der_Mounts_Stands_Holders&hash=item3386781556

I also just purchased my first after market stereo, a pioneer mvh-360-bt (sp?) that supports Siri eyes free functionality through the stereo, and supports Bluetooth calls and comes with a microphone to hook up behind my rear view mirror.

I truly believe I'm taking steps in reducing the distractions of having my phone in my hand at a red light while driving, texting friends, Looking up directions, sending a snapchat, or one of the millions of other things people do in their phones in their cars.

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I think you'd need to check with your local state or municipality. It's possible that it may be prohibited in some communities and not others.

This is key. This is certainly my biggest concern at the moment.

Even something like this seems to high up and distracting:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tablet-pc-G...der_Mounts_Stands_Holders&hash=item1c3d9f3b9e

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this is the way to do it!

http://www.soundmanca.com/ipad-mini...how-to-install-an-ipad-in-your-cars-dashboard


Anthony

This would be great but certainly out of my price range.

 

[eelw]

It's also a matter of how much an iPad mounted on the windshield will block for your field of view. Yes it could be more towards the passenger side, but still partially obstructing your view.

 

[Macalway]

I doubt it

You would think, but now all the cars have screens, and the cops have after-market stuff, which sort of sets an example.

So if you get pulled over and some idiot tries to write you a ticket, just walk over to his car and point to the mess sticking out of his dash.

.......Ok, don't do THAT

 

[baypharm]

While there are no laws on the books that prohibit mounting an iPad in the front seat area that I know of - prudence dictates that watching a movie while driving is illegal in most states. That's why newer vehicles have video screens in the rear and not the front. That said, using your iPad for navigation seems to be within the limits of the law since many newer cars utilize 10" navigation screens built into the dash.

Only case I know of where a driver got pulled over and received a ticket involved her wearing a Google Glass device. Whether or not it holds up in court, or if the judge will dismiss it, is still up in the air. Technology has raced ahead of existing laws on the books.

 

[Meister]

I think you'd need to check with your local state or municipality. It's possible that it may be prohibited in some communities and not others.

Thats the correct answer. I bought a mount for my original ipad when it came out.

 

[cdmoore74]

A picture would be great if you have one... I made one years ago for the original ipad with only two hooks and a steel wire from Home Depot but I felt it rested to high up on the dash which was a distraction.

Here are a few. I personally would not do a custom wood mount for a tablet especially if you have an iPad because there's so many options out there. But then again I would not mount a full size iPad because it's just to big. The most I would do is a iPad mini. So far I'm satisfied with the Note 3 size.

In total I made about 4 custom wood mounts. The black portrait model was designed for a bigger case but it's retired. It was my first attempt and I didn't like the results. The 2nd portrait one was designed around a slimmer case but it was retired because the front dowels were to large and came close to the displays border. The landscape model will be for my motorcycle. I used a $3 cabinet hinge to ensure that phone will not go flying from case. It has holes for charging and I plan on cutting a hole for the camera. The forth one is installed in the truck and is my best one. Very simple and out of the way.
Materials cost less than $20 and I still have enough to make 4 or 5 more. I plan on doing one for my wife's iPhone 5. It was a lot of trial and error but I love the fact that I could slip the phone in. Don't have to mess with those cheap retractable arms. And the Ram mounts are rock solid assuming that you have a good place to attach them to. This should give people a basic idea on what to do and improve upon my designs. I'm no master with wood but I'm getting better with each holder. Got to keep it simple yet good looking.

 

[HappyDude20]

Here are a few. I personally would not do a custom wood mount for a tablet especially if you have an iPad because there's so many options out there. But then again I would not mount a full size iPad because it's just to big. The most I would do is a iPad mini. So far I'm satisfied with the Note 3 size.

In total I made about 4 custom wood mounts. The black portrait model was designed for a bigger case but it's retired. It was my first attempt and I didn't like the results. The 2nd portrait one was designed around a slimmer case but it was retired because the front dowels were to large and came close to the displays border. The landscape model will be for my motorcycle. I used a $3 cabinet hinge to ensure that phone will not go flying from case. It has holes for charging and I plan on cutting a hole for the camera. The forth one is installed in the truck and is my best one. Very simple and out of the way.
Materials cost less than $20 and I still have enough to make 4 or 5 more. I plan on doing one for my wife's iPhone 5. It was a lot of trial and error but I love the fact that I could slip the phone in. Don't have to mess with those cheap retractable arms. And the Ram mounts are rock solid assuming that you have a good place to attach them to. This should give people a basic idea on what to do and improve upon my designs. I'm no master with wood but I'm getting better with each holder. Got to keep it simple yet good looking.

That truly is a nice set up. I love it when others get creative and make their own projects work.

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

the cops have after-market stuff, which sort of sets an example.

There are a lot of things that police can do that the public can't. This also extends to in or on car equipment.

 

[charlituna]

*obviously they're not illegal to sell, but rather is it illegal to have one mounted and on whilst operating a vehicle?

in some areas yes, in some no. In some areas where its no it depends on the use, it some it's all uses.

You are better off asking at the local police station, DMV or doing a google search with your area listed

 

[woodynorman]

I use a mount that uses the CD slot. It holds my iPad Air no problem.

I use it daily as my GPS, as well as all my work orders and notes.

 

[irnchriz]

It really depends on what you are doing with any device in your car. In the uk you can potentially be charged with driving without due care and attention if you are spotted pissing about with your sat nav etc whilst driving. It's a nice way for the cops to make 100 quid but as you see below a lot of the things you can fall foul of could just be classed under "being a dick"

What is careless driving?
There is no standard list of driver behaviours or poor manouevres that are considered careless but any minor breach of the Highway Code could be perceived to be an offence.

Examples include:

tailgating
failing to give way at a junction
overtaking and forcing into a queue of traffic
wrong lane at a roundabout
ignoring a lane closed sign and forcing into an orderly queue
lane hogging
inappropriate speed
overtaking on the inside
wheel spins
hand brake turns
operating a sat-nav or reading a map while driving
eating/drinking at the wheel
lane hopping/weaving
overtaking and causing an approaching vehicle or overtaken vehicle to brake

 

[zwodubber]

I made a mount and I use it for GPS and playing music via Bluetooth. Turn by turn directions are also played through the speakers.

 

[Southern Dad]

There are 50 states, all with different laws. I drive a 2003 Lincoln Navigator which has a perfect spot for a full sized iPad (4th gen). You simply open the ash tray and it sits as if it was made for it. My other vehicle is the 2011 Toyota Prius. It has a spot that the iPad also fits when the cup holder is closed.

 

[darngooddesign]

As suction cup version that adheres to your windshield goes for 15$ but this looks unsafe with a 3rd gen heavy ipad.

Don't you feel that its foolish to block the view out of your windshield with something as large as the iPad or Mini? You won't notice someone crossing the street in front of your car.

 

[BenTrovato]

Don't you feel that its foolish to block the view out of your windshield with something as large as the iPad or Mini? You won't notice someone crossing the street in front of your car.

lol good point... and that's why pedestrians get hit from time to time - foolishness.

Back on topic.. putting an iPad in your car can look great. Just do it right. First of all, only do it with the mini or get a nexus. Secondly, do it properly. Buy a good mount for your car or see if someone has already crafted a template for the iPads. It looks brutal when people use suction cups for tablets. Any indie shop will do a nice clean job. You'll be happier with the outcome

 

[darngooddesign]

I truly don't know and figure I'd ask before purchasing one on eBay.

Wouldn't it be prudent to ask a cop?