A “Windshield Obstruction” Can Costs You Fines and Points In Maryland
We all expect to get pulled over for the big stuff – speeding, texting – but not for those Mardi Gras beads hanging from your rearview mirror. Maryland is one of several states issuing tickets for windshield obstructions.
A windshield obstruction in Maryland is anything blocking a driver’s line of sight. This includes useful everyday items like a hanging parking pass. In fact, most people don’t realize that they can even be stopped for a hanging air freshener. It’s best to keep parking 1passes and air fresheners of this sort in your glove compartment. You can always pull them out when you need them.
Although a ticket for a windshield obstruction is not the most common Maryland traffic violation, I see them once in awhile. Usually, its a pretext to stop a particular vehicle or investigate a particular driver.
In Maryland, an obstructed windshield can be a $70 fine and 1 point. The fine goes up to $110 and 3 points if an accident occurs.
Technically, windshield obstructions include the EZ-Pass transponder and windshield mounted GPS devices. There are numerous ways to mount your GPS device on your dash. Sticking it to the windshield with a suction cup risks a ticket and a collision. At night, it also risks a break-in. Thieves look for that suction cup mark to know what gadgets you might have stowed in your glove compartment.
When mounting the EZ-Pass transponder, follow the guidelines set by the Maryland Transportation Authority.
Need help with a Maryland traffic ticket? Call me BEFORE you go to court or pay any tickets at 301-563-9575 or 1-877-566-2408. I’d be happy to assist you as I’m an experienced Maryland traffic defense lawyer who has handled thousands of Maryland traffic tickets.