Quick answer

The safest way to add accessories is to keep a small footprint and mount them low or behind the rearview mirror. Put a phone mount or dashcam in the wrong spot, though, and it can turn into a projectile when the airbag goes off—or block the controls and view you need to stay safe. This guide will help you pick the right mount and placement so your accessories stay out of airbag paths and your sightlines stay clear.

  • Avoid the steering wheel: Never place anything on the steering wheel hub or the column cover.
  • Clear the deployment paths: Keep airbag covers free. NHTSA recommends a 10-inch minimum clearance between occupants and these covers.
  • Watch your view: Do not hang items from the mirror or pile objects on the dash.
  • Stay away from pillars: Avoid mounting things to the A-pillar (the metal supports on either side of your windshield), as these sit in the curtain airbag deployment zone.

Who this is for

This guide is for any driver adding phone mounts, dash cams, or decorative accessories to their vehicle.

If you are considering a phone mount near the dashboard airbag zone, you need to be careful. Some drivers have reported that a phone can actually hit them in the face if the airbag deploys underneath it.

This is also for people installing dash cams. If you stick a camera to the windshield or the A-pillar, you might be sitting right in the path of a side-curtain airbag. Even worse, these items can increase your existing blind spots. Finally, if you like to hang charms from your mirror or keep a collection of items on your dash, you might be creating sightline issues that could lead to a collision.

How to choose placement

When picking where to put your gear, follow one main principle: keep the center stack clear. This ensures your climate and radio controls stay easy to reach.

  • Use the sides: Prefer low dashboard positions to the sides of the center stack. This keeps sensors and your view unobstructed.
  • Go magnetic: Small-footprint magnetic mounts are highly recommended because they take up very little space.
  • Position dash cams wisely: Mount your camera behind the rearview mirror. This keeps your view clean while providing a good angle for the lens.
  • Avoid the middle: Do not put objects over the steering wheel pad, the column cover, or the dashboard itself.
  • Consider the cupholder: If you want the least amount of obstruction, use a cupholder mount. It keeps the phone low and completely out of your windshield view.

Phone mount options

Different mounts offer different trade-offs regarding safety, price, and how much they block your view.

  • Magnetic mounts: These are the top recommendation. They have a small footprint, which means they don’t add much obstruction to your driving environment.
  • Vent mounts: They allow you to position the phone close to your line of sight, but they do block some airflow from your vents.
  • Cupholder mounts: These are the least obstructive choice because they stay low. The only downside is that they occupy one of your cupholders.

Whichever style you choose, always double-check that the mount cannot shift or slide into an airbag deployment zone during a sudden movement. The same rule applies to dash covers: owner’s manuals warn against putting any object over the steering wheel pad, column cover, or dashboard, because it can entangle the steering wheel or keep the frontal airbag from deploying properly. If you use a dash cover, make sure it leaves every airbag cover clear.

Dash cam and other accessory options

For cameras and other add-ons, the safest bet is to keep them tucked away.

For dash cams, mount the device behind the rearview mirror. This keeps your field of vision clear while giving the camera a great view of the road. Make sure the camera is placed away from windshield sensor clusters, like the cameras used for rain detection or lane assistance.

There are several things you should avoid:

  • Avoid A-pillar mounts: These sit in the curtain airbag zone and create blind spots.
  • Avoid the steering wheel: Never use decorations or magnetic holders on the steering wheel hub. If the airbag deploys, these items can turn into shrapnel.
  • Avoid mirror clutter: Do not hang objects from your rearview mirror.
  • Avoid dash pile-ups: Large amounts of items on the dashboard can create dangerous blind spots.

Compatibility and return checks

Before you hit “buy,” take a moment to ensure the accessory is actually compatible with your specific car and safety needs.

  1. Read your manual: Check the owner’s manual for airbag cover locations. Most manuals explicitly prohibit putting anything on or over these covers.
  2. Check for obstructions: Confirm that no part of the accessory will contact or sit too close to an airbag module.
  3. Verify sensor space: If you are buying a dash cam, look at your windshield. Check for sensor clusters that might conflict with a behind-the-mirror mount.
  4. Test the fit: If you are getting a cupholder mount, measure your cupholder first.
  5. Review return policies: Always check the return policy in case the placement doesn’t work once you actually try to install it.

Setup and use notes

Once your accessories arrive, use these steps to ensure a safe installation.

First, if you are running dash cam wiring, route it clear of the A-pillar. If a wire is routed directly in front of a side-curtain airbag and secured tightly, it could actually slow down or block the airbag from deploying.

Second, position your camera near or just behind the rearview mirror. Check that it stays within the area covered by your windshield wipers so the lens stays clear during rain or snow.

Finally, do a final walkthrough. Adjust every mount to ensure nothing blocks your view of highway signals or your ability to reach important vehicle controls.

Avoid-if, FAQ, and evidence limits

Quick avoid-if checklist

  • ❌ Nothing on the steering wheel hub or column cover (driver airbag)
  • ❌ Nothing on the dashboard over the passenger airbag
  • ❌ Nothing on the A-pillars or windshield in the curtain-airbag zone
  • ❌ No loose/oversized steering wheel covers that can slip
  • ❌ No hanging items from the rearview mirror that block sightlines
  • ❌ No wiring routed in front of side-curtain airbags

FAQ

  • Can I use a vent mount? Yes, if it stays out of the steering-wheel airbag path and you accept reduced airflow.
  • What about a cupholder mount? Generally the lowest-obstruction option; it keeps the phone out of the windshield view.
  • Where should a dash cam go? Behind the rearview mirror, inside the wiper sweep, away from sensor clusters and airbag zones.

Evidence limits This guide synthesizes owner’s-manual warnings, NHTSA clearance guidance, installer best-practice threads, and hands-on reviewer tests. It does not replace your vehicle’s manual—always verify clearance for your specific model year.

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