Are heads-up displays legal in the U.S.?

Yes. Heads-up displays (HUDs) are generally legal across the United States, and factory-installed systems are routinely sold on new vehicles. Aftermarket HUDs are also lawful in most places, provided they do not obstruct the driver’s view, do not require illegal films or mounts on the windshield, and do not display prohibited content (such as video) visible to the driver. Because most limits come from state windshield-obstruction and screen-visible laws, compliance hinges on how and where the device is installed and what it shows.

What counts as a HUD and why it matters

A heads-up display projects driving information—like speed, navigation prompts, or safety alerts—into the driver’s line of sight, often onto the windshield or a small transparent combiner. HUDs can be built into the vehicle by the manufacturer (OEM) or added later as aftermarket devices, including phone-based HUD apps reflecting off glass. The legal treatment depends mostly on whether the system affects visibility, changes the windshield, or shows distracting content.

The legal framework in the U.S.

These are the main legal and regulatory touchpoints that determine HUD legality and acceptable use in vehicles operating on U.S. roads.

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS): OEM systems must comply with standards such as FMVSS No. 101 (controls and displays) and FMVSS No. 205 (glazing materials). FMVSS doesn’t ban HUDs; it ensures displays are identifiable, readable, and that glazing (windshields) meets safety criteria. Aftermarket windshields with integrated HUD layers must still carry proper DOT markings and meet FMVSS 205; stick-on reflective films on the windshield can run afoul of these rules and state laws.
• NHTSA driver-distraction guidance: Federal guidance (not a binding rule) cautions against visual-manual distractions and recommends limiting glance time and non-driving-related tasks. HUDs aren’t treated as inherently unsafe, but content should be simple and glanceable.
• Laser and light safety: Some HUDs use lasers or high-brightness LEDs. Laser-based systems must comply with FDA laser product rules (21 CFR 1040), typically Class 1 for user safety. Excessive brightness or glare that impairs driving can trigger enforcement under general “unsafe equipment” statutes.
• State windshield obstruction laws: Nearly all states prohibit placing objects or materials that obstruct the driver’s clear view. Transparent reflective films applied to the windshield to “boost” a HUD image may be illegal in many states. Devices that sit high on the dash or mount to the windshield (e.g., suction cups) are restricted or location-limited in several states.
• State “screen visible to the driver” laws: Many states ban televisions or video displays viewable by the driver while driving, with narrow exceptions for vehicle information and navigation. A HUD that shows movies, messages, or internet content can violate these rules; one that shows speed and navigation is generally acceptable.

Taken together, federal rules permit HUDs, while state laws govern practical installation and on-road use. The key compliance issues are windshield alterations, line-of-sight obstruction, and on-screen content.

OEM vs. aftermarket: what’s different legally

Factory-installed HUDs are engineered into the vehicle and certified as part of the car’s safety systems. Aftermarket units vary widely in quality and mounting methods, which affects legality and liability.

• OEM HUDs: Integrated into the instrument panel, calibrated for brightness and focus, and designed around FMVSS-compliant glass. These are legal to use nationwide when operated as intended.
• Aftermarket HUDs with combiner glass: Often legal if mounted low and stable on the dash without blocking the driver’s view. They avoid modifying the windshield and typically pose fewer compliance issues.
• Windshield-projection HUDs without added film: Generally acceptable if the image is faint but readable and there’s no added material on the glass; placement must not create glare or obstruction.
• Aftermarket windshield films or coatings: Frequently problematic. Many state laws prohibit adding reflective or tinted material to the windshield beyond limited “visor strip” areas. Using a reflective film solely to improve a HUD image can be illegal.
• Phone-based HUD apps: Legal to possess, but if the phone is placed or mounted in a way that blocks the driver’s view or shows prohibited content, it can violate obstruction and “screen-visible” laws.

If you avoid altering the windshield, keep the device out of the critical sightlines, and limit content to driving-related information, aftermarket HUDs can be used legally in most jurisdictions.

State-level hotspots and common pitfalls

While every state bars unsafe obstructions, a few categories of state rules crop up frequently in HUD enforcement and should be checked before installation.

• Windshield obstruction statutes: States such as California and New York strictly limit items attached to the windshield and may only allow small, specific mounting zones for certain devices. Even “transparent” films can be treated as unlawful obstructions.
• Window tint and glazing rules: Most states prohibit aftermarket tint on the windshield below the top visor band. Reflective or metallic films used to enhance a HUD image can violate these laws.
• Video display prohibitions: Many states prohibit TV/video screens visible to the driver while the vehicle is in motion, with exceptions for navigation and vehicle information. HUDs must not display movies, streaming, or messaging threads.
• Mounting height and dash placement: Devices mounted high on the dash or above the hood line are more likely to be cited for obstruction. Low, stable mounting that preserves the driver’s forward view reduces risk.
• Nighttime glare: Excessive brightness can constitute an unsafe condition, especially at night. Systems should auto-dim and avoid bright, saturated colors that bloom on wet glass.

Because wording and enforcement vary, reviewing your state’s vehicle code and any local ordinances before installing a HUD is the safest approach.

Practical compliance tips for drivers

These steps can help you use a HUD without running into legal trouble or creating a safety hazard.

• Prefer OEM when possible: Factory systems are engineered to comply with federal safety standards and are least likely to attract enforcement issues.
• Avoid windshield films: Don’t apply reflective or tint films to the windshield unless expressly permitted; use a combiner-style HUD if you need a brighter image.
• Keep it low and out of the primary view: Mount aftermarket HUDs low on the dash so they don’t block the roadway or wiper sweep area.
• Limit content to driving data: Stick to speed, navigation prompts, and safety alerts. Do not show video, messaging, or web content visible to the driver in motion.
• Use brightness and night mode: Enable auto-dimming and choose simple, high-contrast layouts that minimize glance time and reduce glare.
• Check state laws: Look up your state’s windshield obstruction, tint/glazing, and “screen visible to driver” provisions. If in doubt, ask a local compliance or inspection station.
• Ensure product compliance: If your HUD uses lasers or replaces glass, look for appropriate safety labeling (e.g., Class 1 laser, DOT-marked glazing) and documentation.

Following these practices keeps the focus on safety, which is also what most statutes aim to protect—and it significantly reduces the chance of a citation.

Special cases: commercial, motorcycle, and aviation

Commercial vehicles and motorcycles are subject to many of the same obstruction and distraction rules as passenger cars, though carrier policies may be stricter. Aviation HUDs are separately regulated by the FAA and are widely used in certified aircraft; those rules don’t control road use but demonstrate that HUD technology, when properly engineered, can meet stringent safety standards.

Enforcement and real-world risk

Police typically cite windshield obstructions, unlawful films, or prohibited video displays rather than “having a HUD” per se. OEM systems almost never raise issues. Aftermarket setups draw attention when they are mounted high, reflect brightly at night, or require a reflective film. Penalties range from fix-it tickets to equipment violations and, in the worst cases, charges tied to distracted or unsafe driving.

Bottom line

Heads-up displays are legal in the U.S. when used appropriately. OEM units are designed to comply with federal standards, and aftermarket devices are generally permissible if they don’t alter the windshield unlawfully, don’t block the driver’s view, and don’t show prohibited content. The safest route is to avoid windshield films, keep mounts low and tidy, and limit on-screen information to driving tasks, while verifying your state’s specific rules. This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.

Summary

HUDs are broadly legal in the U.S. Factory systems comply with federal safety standards; aftermarket units are lawful if they avoid windshield-altering films, don’t obstruct the view, and display only driving information. The main legal risks come from state laws on windshield obstructions, tint/glazing, and video screens visible to the driver. Choosing compliant hardware, mounting low, enabling dimming, and checking your state code will keep you on the right side of the law.

Are heads-up displays legal?

While there is some potential for misuse of redundant controls, there is no corresponding potential for “misuse” of redundant displays. That is, the subject head up displays will either be visible or invisible to the driver. If they are visible, there is no issue.

Can I install a heads-up display?

Can you fit them yourself? Unlike standard HUD options that car manufacturers incorporate into their vehicles, most aftermarket choices are completely separate from the windscreen itself. While every type of aftermarket HUD is slightly different, typically they’re extremely easy to fit and install.

What are the disadvantages of HUD displays?

Disadvantages of heads-up display

• Issues in visibility. As the information is displayed on the windshield or a transparent screen, the visibility can be affected due to several factors like sunlight and glare.
• Makes the car costly. HUD is still a new concept and is an expensive feature to have.
• Distraction.

Can I add a HUD to my current car?

You can add an aftermarket HUD to just about any car. Aftermarket HUDs can be moved from vehicle to vehicle.