Is it illegal to hang objects from your rearview mirror?

Personalising your car looks different for everyone. A popular way to accessorise is by hanging items from your rear vision mirror. But is it legal? Well, it depends on where you live.

Across New Zealand and the various states in Australia, the rules vary, not to mention the fines and penalties for non-compliance.

It’s good practice to stay informed about the specific laws in your region. To help, here’s a quick rundown on the regulations and some advice for drivers to bear in mind:

New Zealand

Waka Kotahi | New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) sets the rules for drivers across the country. Hanging items from your rearview mirror is not explicitly prohibited by NZTA. 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. It's advisable to exercise caution and use common sense when decorating your rearview mirror to avoid any potential issues.

Australia

Being a federation of states and territories, Australia has varying road rules that are enforced independently. Here’s a super quick run-down of each to get a sense of the diversity in regulations:

• New South Wales (NSW): Transport for NSW governs road rules in NSW. Like New Zealand, hanging items from your rearview mirror is not explicitly illegal, but anything that interferes with the driver's vision can result in penalties.
• Victoria (VIC): In Victoria, VicRoads oversees road rules. While there isn't a specific law against hanging objects, drivers should ensure that their rearview mirror decorations do not obstruct their view or pose a distraction to avoid fineable offences.
• Queensland (QLD): The Department of Transport and Main Roads manages road rules in QLD. Queensland drivers should be aware that obstructing the driver's view may lead to on-the-spot fines of over $350, even if there isn't a direct law against hanging items.
• South Australia (SA): In SA, there isn’t a direct law either. However, maximum fines can skyrocket to $2,500.
• Northern Territory (NT): Similar to the above, there is no specific rule, but obstructed and unsafe views can attract fines of around $140.
• Tasmania (TAS): Section 297 (2) of Tasmania Road Rules 2019 clearly states that drivers must not drive a vehicle unless they have a clear view of the road and traffic on all sides of the driver. Drivers can be fined for breaches, $195.
• Western Australia (WA): The strictest lawmakers are the WA Department of Transport. In WA, the Road Traffic Code specifically bans any object placed on the mirror that could directly block the driver from having a view of any area of the road. Fines are $100 and one demerit point.
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): No specific law. However, items that cause distraction or obstruction to vision could likely attract penalties from the Police. ACT comes in with the harshest of penalties – 20 penalty units valued at $3200.

Please note: This isn’t legal advice. Local road rules and laws change. Fines and demerits are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Refer to your local road safety authority for the most up-to-date information.

Advice for drivers

Here are some tips for drivers in New Zealand and Australia:

1. Check local regulations: Stay informed about the road rules in your region.
2. Keep it minimal: While personalising your car is a fun way to express yourself, be mindful not to obstruct your view. Keep decorations minimal and ensure they do not distract you while driving.
3. Prioritise safety: Your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be the top priority. If you have doubts about the legality of hanging items from your rearview mirror, consider alternative ways to express your style without compromising safety.

While the laws regarding hanging items from your rearview mirror may not be explicitly outlined in New Zealand and all of Australia, it's essential that drivers exercise caution and prioritise safety. This ensures a safe and enjoyable driving experience for everyone on the road. Stay informed, drive responsibly, and enjoy the journey.

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