California is one of only two states where drivers have been prohibited from mounting  a portable GPS navigation unit on their vehicle’s windshield, due to concerns about  obstructing to the driver’s view. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has moved to make windshield mounting legal, with the caveat that the unit must be placed on either the lower left or lower right corner of the windshield.

The new law goes into effect January 1, 2009. This will leave Minnesota as the only state prohibiting mounting a GPS unit on a windshield. Legislation banning drivers from text messaging has also been approved.

In other West Coast legislative news, California motorists who like to cuddle with their pets can breathe a sigh of relief: Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have made it illegal to have a pet sitting in your lap while behind the wheel. (Learn the safe way to travel with pets.)

—Desiree Calamari

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.