Just wondering if in general it is legal to use the iPad 3G as a navigation device.

I had purchased both Navigon and TomTom for my iPhone and they both scale up perfectly for the iPad at the 2x scale. FWIW Navigon adapts a little better - for some reason TomTom keeps saying it needs GPS signal even though it is working well.

I have a minivan with a flat surface on top of the dashboard and keep the iPad in the protective non skid case from Apple and it wedges perfectly between the top of the dash and the windshield. It does not block my view at all and I feel i can drive more safely due to the beautiful large display compared to having to lower your eyes to read the smaller display on an iPhone or even a regular Garmin, etc.

TIA for any feedback.

Okay, it's early and I'm only on the first cup of coffee but....what would make it any more legal or illegal than any other electronic navigation device? I don't understand what would prompt the question? Why wouldn't it be legal?

I could be wrong, but I think he means by jamming it into the windshield like that. In some states it's illegal to hang or put things that cover your view of various portions of the windshield. If this is what he's asking, I think he'd have to ask a police officer in whichever state(s) he's driving the most. Cops should know the traffic codes details for this.

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)"

I went to a local RV show last week.... one of the manufcturers(forgot the
the name) had one of those million-dollar RVs with two built-in iPads. One on the dash, next to the driver and one built right into the dining table)

the one on the dash was inside a custom wood frame...(that matched the wood used in the rest of the RV)

of course, it's nothing compared to the 60" LED TV in the bedrom area...