Operating a vehicle with a television receiver or screen in a location visible to the driver while the vehicle is in motion.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
CVC 27602 prohibits operating a vehicle if a television receiver or video monitor is installed so the screen is visible to the driver while moving. Rear-seat entertainment systems are legal; screens in the driver's sightline are not.
Fines of $162–$285, no DMV points. Relocate or shield the screen and get the ticket signed off.
No DMV points — no insurance impact.
Tablet mounted on dashboard streams video visible while driving.
Cited; must relocate screen out of driver's sightline.
Rear headrest monitors playing a movie.
Legal — screens not visible from driver's position.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Screen was not in driver's field of view
CVC 27602 prohibits a television receiver or similar screen visible to the driver while the vehicle is moving. If the screen was positioned so it was not visible from the driver's seat, or was a navigation device used for its permitted purposes, challenge the citation.
Navigation/GPS display exception
Displays used solely for navigation are generally exempt. Challenge whether the device was being used for navigation purposes.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
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Yes. CVC 27602 has a specific exception for GPS navigation displays.
Yes, as long as screens are not visible from the driver's normal position.
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This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
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