You can mount your phone in several different places in a car. The best option is the one that matches your needs and preferences for an easily accessible location you can see clearly and grab when needed.
This post will explore the best places to mount your phone in the car. I’ll list the best places and explain why they are an ideal mounting location. My goal is to help you get your phone safe and secure while driving.
Let’s jump in.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Mounting the phone just beside the steering wheel or somewhere in the center of the dashboard are the most common locations.
- The best place to mount your phone in the car is a personal preference and might be different for everyone.
- Regardless of where you mount your phone, ensure it is securely attached so it doesn’t come loose when you drive.
Where is Legal to Put Phone in Car?
Before I get into the best places to mount your phone in the car, it’s important to touch on a few issues related to the legality of where you do it.
Some states have regulations on where you can mount your phone. If you live in one of these places, you need to follow those rules. Otherwise, you can get a ticket or fine if you get pulled over.
Since each state and region can have different regulations about where you can mount the phone in a car, I won’t get into that here. But always double-check that the location you want to install the mount is legal in your area.
The reason these laws exist is for safety. If there is a mounting law or rule in place, it typically states that you can’t mount the phone on the windshield and that it needs to be within a certain distance from the steering wheel.
But that’s just an example. Check your local regulations to figure out any of the rules you need to be aware of.
Best Places to Mount Your Phone in Car
Now let’s explore all of the best places to mount your phone in the car. Remember that everyone might have a different preference for the ideal mounting location. All of the options listed here are good ones, but they aren’t ranked in any particular order.
1. Dashboard Mount
The dashboard mount is one of the most popular and safest locations to mount your phone in the car. This is a common location for many drivers because it’s convenient and also out of the way when you are driving.
This location is ideal because your phone will still be located close to eye level, so you can look at it when navigating or doing anything else without taking your eyes off the road. This is an important safety consideration.
The dashboard is also good because it’s not on the windshield, so it won’t block any of your line of sight while driving. It’s also easy to access if you want to grab your phone, even though this might be illegal in some locations.
2. Windshield Mount
Another place that can be good to mount your phone in the car is on the windshield. There are many suction-cup-style mounts that you can place on the windshield quickly and effectively.
Whenever you use a windshield mount, it’s important that you don’t mount your phone somewhere that is directly in your line of sight. Some places have laws regarding where on the windshield you can place a mount.
Putting a windshield mount on the lower left-hand side somewhat close to the steering wheel is a recommended location. This will allow you to easily see the phone without blocking your view of all the traffic or road coming your way.
3. Vent Mount
You can also use a mount that attaches to the vents in the center of your dashboard or console. This type of mount will sit a bit lower than a dashboard mount but will still give you quick viewing when you need to see whatever is on your phone.
Vent mounts are more secure than suction-cup mounts that work with the windshield or dashboard. This can be nice if you drive over bumpy roads often or just want a more secure mount for your phone.
Ensure that the vent mount you use will properly fit the style of vents you have in the car. Some of these types of mounts are specific to kinds of vents. You can check with the manufacturer of the mount to figure this out.
4. Rearview Mirror Mount
Some people also like to use a rearview mirror mount. This type of mount will hold your phone just below the rearview mirror. This can be another convenient location that is relatively safe and not blocking your vision.
The rearview mirror style mount isn’t legal everywhere, so double-check your local restrictions before purchasing this style. If it is allowed, try to get the phone mounted as close to the rearview as possible so you don’t block your line of sight.
These mounts are good if you are used to using your rearview mirror often and don’t want to be distracted when placing the phone in another location.
What’s the Best Car Mount for Phones?
Here are a few top recommendations based on our own user experience and the reputation research we did on the Internet hearing what others say about the product.
1. Beam Electronics Car Air Vent Mount
If you prefer things right in front of you and sturdily clamped in, this mount from Beam will put your phone at your fingertips without allowing it to move an inch out of place.
It clamps onto the air vent and then around your phone, and a gap at the bottom allows you to charge and use ports even when the phone is in the cradle.
What We Like:
- Extremely easy to install and simple, uncomplicated design that’s a breeze to make use of.
- Space for cables lets you make the most of your phone even when it’s propped up, and the cradle design is secure and won’t let your phone fall out anytime soon.
What We Dislike:
- Weight of the phone will usually cause the air vent to droop and close.
2. VAVA Magnetic Phone Holder for Car Dashboard
If you have a case on your iPhone, it’s easy to slip the matching magnet for the VAVA mount inside and allow your phone to easily jump to adhere to this mount.
This model mounts to your dashboard and does not use air vents, so it’s extra stable and your phone can be rotated to any comfortable angle with ease.
What We Like:
- Small footprint and sleek design are a nice touch.
- The magnet piece for your phone is strong but unobtrusive and can easily fit into any case.
- Mount has 360 degrees of rotation and so does your phone when in use.
What We Dislike:
- Uses adhesive, so it’s not easy to reset if you stick it on wrong the first time.
3. IOttie Easy One Touch Universal Phone Holder
Locking onto your dash or windshield with a two-part suction based system, the iOttie isn’t going anywhere once you snap it into place and you can be sure your phone won’t fall out anytime soon either. The stand telescopes for greater range of motion.
What We Like:
- Expands up to 3.2″, enough for your iPhone X or Xs with ease.
- Powerful suction will keep your phone in place even if you roll off the side of a mountain, telescoping and bending design allow for many degrees of adjustability.
What We Dislike:
- Suction base is known to take the vinyl off your dash if not removed carefully.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best places to mount your phone in the car.
Where is the safest place to put a phone holder in your car?
A dashboard mount is typically one of the safest places to put a phone holder in your car. This location is close to eye level without blocking the windshield, making it ideal for safety and convenience. It’s important not to block your line of sight while driving.
Can I have a phone mount on my windshield?
Some places do not allow you to have a phone mount on the windshield, but others do. There are varying laws and restrictions in place from state to state, so always check your local rules before you put a phone mount on your windshield.
Is it legal to mount phone on dashboard in NY?
It is legal to mount your phone on the dashboard in New York. And it’s actually illegal to hold your phone in your hand while you are driving, even if you are looking at a navigation app. This is an important safety concern.
Is it legal to mount phone on windshield in California?
It is legal to mount a phone on your windshield in California as long as you follow the rules related to where the mount is located. It needs to be within a certain distance from the steering wheel in the lower corner of the windshield.
Final Thoughts
The mounting locations in this post should give you some ideas about where the best place to mount your phone in your car is. Every driver can have different preferences for location, so consider all of the information here before making your choice.
Remember to check all of the local rules and restrictions in your area relating to where you can mount a phone. You don’t want to risk getting a ticket or a fine if you get pulled over. Plus, safety should always be a major consideration when driving.
Where do you prefer your phone to be mounted in the car? Let me know in the comments below.
