That is what I was asking - should have been clearer. In some states including Minnesota and California it is illegal to mount suction cups on the windshield when operating your vehicle. It looks like the California law also prohibits something the size of an iPad to be blocking the windshield. My thought was that the display size makes it safer than a smaller device but wouldn't be worth while to argue the point with a police officer.

I found this citation: "California state law permits GPS systems to be mounted in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver or in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver, if the system is used only for door-to-door navigation while the motor vehicle is being operated and outside of an airbag deployment zone. Other state or local laws may also prohibit drivers from using suction cups on their windshields or operating the GPS system while the car is in motion. Other dashboard or friction mounting options should be used. We do not take any responsibility for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)"