Is it illegal to hang air freshener from the rearview mirror?

Asked by: Mrs. Charity Kling  |  Last update: May 26, 2025
Score: 5/5 (57 votes)

Is It Illegal To Hang Your Air Freshener From Your Rearview Mirror? According to the Vehicle Codes of California, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, it is illegal to hang objects such as air fresheners on a rearview mirror because it is considered to be a visual obstruction.

Is it illegal to put air fresheners over the rear view mirror?

The answer is “yes” and “yes.” Officer Jacob Sanchez with the Border Division of California Highway Patrol said drivers can be pulled over and cited for this, however, it's generally considered a “fix it ticket.”

Can you hang an air freshener on a rearview mirror?

Air freshener, handicap placard, fuzzy dice... don't hang 'em from your rear-view mirror. It's distracting and blocks your vision... and it gives cops probable cause to pull you over whether you like it or not.

Can a cop pull you over for an air freshener?

The air fresheners that dangle from rearview mirrors have been a ubiquitous accessory in cars for decades. But they may be treated as illegal in a majority of states, which have laws prohibiting objects near the windshield that can obstruct motorists' views.

What states prohibit air fresheners?

HOW MANY STATES PROHIBIT DRIVERS FROM HANGING OBJECTS FROM THEIR MIRRORS AND WINDSHIELDS? At least five other states — California, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas and Illinois — have such laws, but the total number is unclear. The National Conference of State Legislatures does not track such legislation.

Is a Air Freshener hanging from your Rearview Mirror illegal ?

35 related questions found

Can I have something hanging from my rear view mirror?

The law clearly states that no items that obstruct the driver's view should be attached to the rear-view mirror as it may distract the driver. However, if the items are not too large, it may not be enough evidence to prove the item didn't obstruct the driver's view and something else may have caused the accident.

Where to hang air freshener in car?

Where to Put Air Freshener in Car: Tips for a Pleasant Driving Experience
  • Central Interior.
  • Air Vent.
  • Underneath Seats.
  • Trunk.
  • Hang on Rearview Mirror.

Can a cop breathalyze you at your house?

Can a police officer request a breathalyzer test at my home? The basic answer to your question is “yes.” However, an important follow-up question would be “Can the officer compel a breathalyzer test?” The answer to that one is “no.”

Can a cop legally open your car door?

Brief Synopsis: A police officer opening a car door without the owner's permission and then conducting a search of the inside of a car can be an unconstitutional search under the Fourth Amendment, as was found in the case summarized below.

Can you get pulled over for fuzzy dice?

These types of stops plainly constitute an abuse of police power and possibly a violation of civil rights laws. If a police officer claims he pulled you over because of your fuzzy dice, it is probably safe to assume he's really after something else.

What can you hang on your rearview mirror?

8 Classic Things to Hang from Your Rearview Mirror
  • Graduation tassel.
  • Necklaces.
  • Air fresheners.
  • Rear view mirror charms.
  • Religious pictures.
  • Dream catchers.
  • Headphones/cords.
  • Lanyard with keys.

What is the meaning of the fuzzy dice?

The idea was that if these gaming pieces could help you win some money, they might protect you as well. Following World War II, using dice as a decoration continued as a tradition. Eventually, people started hanging fuzzy dice on their rearview mirrors as it was a sign of luck.

Why put a plastic bag over your rearview mirror?

Glare Reduction

Some drivers respond to that unpleasant experience by covering the mirrors with plastic bags. According to them, the bags reduce the glare from the headlights of vehicles coming up from behind.

Could you be fined for things hanging from rear view mirror?

However, it's important to note that anything that obstructs the driver's view or distracts them can lead to fines or penalties. While you may not find a specific law against hanging items, the broader regulations emphasise maintaining an unobstructed view of the road at all times.

Can you hang air freshener on rearview mirror?

Something as small as an air freshener or graduation tassel may not pose a problem based on this statute. However, if a police officer has reason to believe an item hanging from the rearview mirror is obstructing your view through the windshield, you could be pulled over and cited.

Can you get a ticket for hanging something on your rearview mirror?

California: It's illegal to hang items such as air fresheners, pendants, or face masks from the rearview mirror if they obstruct the view. Penalties include traffic fines up to $50 for repeated offenses.

Can police order you to roll your windows down?

First, the short answer is yes, officers can order drivers to roll down their windows. Here's why: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that officers can order drivers to exit their vehicles. This was established in the case Pennsylvania v. Mims, which allows officers to order drivers to exit, and Maryland v.

Can you close a door on a cops foot?

If you close the door on the officer's foot, this is assault on a police officer. You will now be arrested for this.

Can police pull you out of your car?

The law allows police officers to order drivers and passengers out of a vehicle during a traffic stop to ensure officer safety. While this may feel intrusive, the courts have ruled that this action is a reasonable and minimal intrusion compared to the potential dangers officers face during these interactions.

Can a cop look in your windows?

Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, with few exceptions, any police officer who conducts a search of a person's home or vehicle must first obtain a search warrant (or the owner of the property must have validly consented to the search).

Should you let a cop breathalyze you?

The only advantage to agreeing to FSTs is that it might delay the chemical test long enough to read below the limit. But you are still generally better off by refusing the FSTs. If a cop pulls you over for speeding and smells alcohol, he likely won't have enough to arrest without the FSTs.

Can your boss breathalyze you?

Under California's employment law, an employer is legally allowed to conduct a drug or alcohol test on an existing employee only if it meets the following requirements: Reasonable grounds or suspicion that the employee may be drug or alcohol-impaired.

Can I keep air freshener in the car?

Well, yes, you can. But let's not go overboard. Spraying air freshener into the vents can spread the scent quickly, but too much can clog things up. Instead, use products made for car vents, like air con cologne.

Is it illegal to drive with air freshener in car?

State-Specific Regulations in the United States

For instance, states such as Minnesota, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Texas have laws that permit law enforcement officers to pull over drivers and issue fines for having items hanging from their rear-view mirror.

How often should you replace little trees?

Surprisingly, Little Trees last quite a while if used correctly. Don't tear open the packaging and hang the Tree; instead, follow the instructions and tear only a small triangle in the top of the packaging and pull out the tree bit by bit over seven weeks, thereby achieving the longest-lasting results.