Can You Legally Hang Air Fresheners From Your Rear View Mirror in Different Countries?

Hanging air fresheners from your rear view mirror has become a common practice to keep vehicle interiors smelling pleasant. However, the legality of this practice varies from country to country and even from state to state. In some regions, it may be explicitly prohibited, while in others, it might simply be against the broader rules about obstructing a clear view while driving.

Florida’s Strict Laws and Exceptions

Florida, for instance, has specific laws regulating what can or cannot be attached to a vehicle's windows and mirrors. According to the law, a driver cannot operate a motor vehicle with signs or material affixed to the front windshield, or hang anything that obstructs view from the rear view mirror, rear, or side mirrors, or windows. Although violations are punishable as traffic offenses, one can’t help but notice the contradiction in law enforcement's actions. For example, many police cars are seen with multiple zip ties hanging from their mirrors, illustrating the 'do as I say and not as I do' mentality.

UK's Flexible Approach

In the UK, there is no specific law against hanging items from your rear view mirror. The emphasis is on ensuring that the driver's view of the road is not obstructed. If an enforcing officer believes that something hanging from your rear view mirror obstructs your view, you may receive a penalty charge or face prosecution. The flexibility in the UK's laws means that there’s often less enforcement, making this a safer bet for those who wish to use air fresheners in their vehicle.

Note: Handicap placards hanging from the rear view mirror seem to be an exception, as long as these placards provide information about the vehicle, such as disability parking permits, and do not obstruct the view.

California's Specific Regulations

When it comes to specific vehicle codes, California is quite clear. According to California Vehicle Code 26708, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle with objects or materials placed, displayed, installed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows. Additionally, the code prohibits placing any objects or materials within the vehicle that obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view through the windshield or side windows.

While not all states have as explicit language in their vehicle codes, many states similarly prohibit the hanging of items that block the driver's view, whether from the front or the rear view mirrors. For example, in Florida, the law explicitly mentions the rear view mirror, while in California, the code addresses both windshield and side windows.

Enforcement Variability

Enforcement of these laws can vary widely. In some states, violations of air freshener laws are rarely enforced, and the rules are often seen as more guidelines than strict regulations. This variability makes it difficult to predict the consequences of hanging an air freshener from your rear view mirror.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the enforcement of air freshener laws is inconsistent. For instance, one friend was told her car failed its MOT (Opposed in Many Gigs) because an air freshener was hanging from the rear view mirror, but there are no reported cases of drivers being pulled over for this offense in the U.S.

Conclusion

The legality of hanging air fresheners from your rear view mirror is largely determined by the specific laws in your country, state, or region. Drivers should be aware of the potential for obstruction and ensure that their vehicle mirrors offer a clear, unobstructed view. While laws in some jurisdictions are more stringent than others, it's generally advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid hanging any objects from the rear view mirror to prevent any potential legal issues.