Hanging a tree-shaped air freshener, a graduation tassel, or a religious charm from your rearview mirror might seem like a harmless decoration, but in California, that small personal touch could be grounds for a traffic stop, or worse.
Most drivers don’t realize that something as minor as a dangling object from the rearview mirror can be considered a legal violation under California law. And when law enforcement uses this as a pretext for pulling you over, it can quickly escalate into something far more serious like citations, fines, or even searches.
At WCTL, we’ve helped countless clients navigate cases that began with a seemingly minor issue and spiraled into much more. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about rearview mirror obstruction laws in California. What’s allowed, what’s not, and how to protect yourself on the road.
What is California’s Vehicle Mirror Law?
According to the California Vehicle Code Section 26708, it is illegal to drive with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied on the windshield or side or rear windows that “obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view” of the road.
This means that any object hanging from the rearview mirror, even something as small as a rosary or air freshener, can technically be considered a violation of this law. Failure to comply can result in a fine that averages around $25. However, depending on the severity of the violation and the jurisdiction of the assessing officer, these fines can be substantially increased.
While this law is meant to prevent drivers from obstructing their field of vision when operating a vehicle and reduces the possibility of accidents based on an obstruction of vision, it is written broadly, which gives law enforcement significant discretion in how and when to enforce it. Whether or not an object “obstructs” your view is often a judgment call made by the officer who pulls you over.
Which States Is It Illegal to Hang Things From a Rearview Mirror?
California, Illinois, Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania enforce this law and officers can pull over any vehicle and issue a citation in the form of a “fix it” ticket.
A “fix it” ticket is referred to as a correctable violation where those issued one are required to submit a proof of correction to your local court. These tickets must be verified and signed off by your local court officials in order for the citation to be properly dismissed. Failure to do so will result in an increase of court fees and additional fines.
| State | Rearview Mirror Law Enforced? | Example of Prohibited Items | Fine / Penalty Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | ✅ Yes | Air fresheners, dice, rosary beads, handicap placards | ~$25 (can increase if unpaid) |
| Arizona | ✅ Yes | Decorative items, graduation tassels | Fine + “Fix-It” ticket |
| Texas | ✅ Yes | Fuzzy dice, air fresheners | Citation + court fees |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes | Religious symbols, decorations | Visual obstruction citation |
| Minnesota | ✅ Yes | Hanging objects | Can lead to traffic stop |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Yes | Any obstructive mirror-hung item | Possible citation |
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. In fact, other popular and sentimental items such as rosemary beads, fuzzy dice, graduation tassels, and even handicap placards fit into this category and are considered to be an obstruction of view when the vehicle is in motion.
There is legal precedent of the subject as per FREEMAN v. COMMONWEALTH (2015) where a Virginia police officer pulled over a man with air fresheners hanging on his rearview mirror and the officer declared the violation as probable cause to search the driver’s vehicle. This led to a discovery of an illegal amount of drugs and the driver was convicted of drug possession.
Drug-impaired drivers are a huge safety risk because drivers who are under the influence are more likely to be visually impaired. With that in mind, any sort of visual obstruction that might be hanging on a rearview mirror could potentially lead to a tragic car accident.
As a result, any driver who is pulled over for hanging an object on their rearview mirror are subjected to penalties, fines, and possible further investigation by the assessing officer. The only exception to this rule is unless the vehicle is not in operation and/or parked.
Types of Hanging Objects Most Commonly Cited
Let’s be clear: not every item will result in a citation. However, the following are frequently cited as violations of § 26708:
1. Air Fresheners
Air fresheners are among the most common culprits — especially the classic dangling “Little Tree” models. Despite their small size, they swing and can visually obstruct or distract, especially when placed in the middle of the driver’s view.
2. Religious Items
Many Californians hang rosaries, crosses, or similar items as a symbol of faith or for protection. But under the law, these are not exempt. Courts have consistently ruled that religious freedom does not override public safety when it comes to visual obstructions.
3. Graduation Tassels, Charms, or Medals
While sentimental, these often dangle low and are quite noticeable, especially if they’re colorful or metallic. They’re often added temporarily, but one traffic stop is all it takes.
4. Parking Permits and Work Badges
Even practical items like employee IDs or school parking passes can be flagged. Officers expect these to be placed on the dashboard or attached to side windows, not hung from the mirror.
How Much is a Ticket for Violating California’s Mirror Law?
A first-time citation under Vehicle Code § 26708 is generally treated as an infraction and issued as a “fix-it” ticket. That means you may be able to avoid fines by removing the object and showing proof of correction to the court. However, according to the California Vehicle Code Section 40310, any traffic penalty that is not paid within 20 days of the issue date is subject to a 50% upcharge of the original penalty. For instance, an unpaid $80 fine would become a $120 fine after 20 days of the issue date.
But — and it’s a big “but” — if the stop reveals other violations, the consequences can multiply quickly.
You may face:
- Fines for additional violations
- Points on your license
- Vehicle impoundment
- Criminal charges if other offenses are discovered
And if the stop escalates or your rights are violated, you may be entitled to take legal action.
How to Avoid Trouble: Best Practices for Drivers
Here are a few practical tips to stay safe and legal:
- Avoid hanging anything from your rearview mirror while driving, especially in areas where enforcement is high.
- Place parking permits or badges on the dashboard or upper corner of the windshield, where allowed by law.
- Remove sentimental or decorative items unless you’re parked or attending an event.
- Know your local ordinances. Some cities enforce more strictly than others.
Consult an attorney if you receive a citation or believe your rights were violated during a stop.
What Should I Do When I Receive a Rearview Obstruction Citation?
Rearview citations can be easily solved and dismissed once you submit the necessary paperwork and pay the corrective fees at your local court.
However, if you are subjected to an unlawful traffic stop and would like to seek legal representation of the matter, contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and talented legal team.
