ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Every now and then, I get a question that makes me grin — and this one was no exception.
“I keep seeing rubber ducks all over Jeep dashboards and windshields. Is this legal, and why do Jeep owners do it?” a viewer asked.
[Watch video below for Trooper Steve’s answer]
First off, no — you’re not imagining things. The rubber duck invasion in the Jeep world is very real. And, no, it’s not about violating traffic laws.
It’s called “Jeep Ducking” or “Duck Duck Jeep,” and it’s become a worldwide trend among Jeep owners.
Here’s how it works: Jeep owners carry around small rubber ducks and leave them on other Jeeps that they spot in parking lots, driveways or on the trail. Sometimes they attach a little tag or note that says something like, “You’ve been ducked!” — and yes, that’s meant to be funny. It’s a random act of kindness meant to surprise fellow Jeep owners and spread a little positivity.
Jeep Ducking reportedly started in July 2020 in Ontario, Canada. A Jeep owner named Allison Parliament began the tradition after a stressful personal experience. She placed a duck on a stranger’s Jeep just to make them smile — and then posted about it online. From there, it snowballed into a global Jeep phenomenon, fueled by social media hashtags and Jeep groups.
Here’s the important part: placing a small rubber duck on a parked Jeep isn’t illegal — as long as you’re not causing damage, trespassing or interfering with someone’s vehicle in a harmful way.
That said, drivers should be mindful about how many ducks they keep on their dashboard or near the windshield because anything that obstructs your view can become a safety issue (and yes, that can lead to a ticket).
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Jeep owners have always been known for their sense of community — think of the Jeep wave, the nods at stoplights and the mutual respect on off-road trails. Ducking just adds another playful, lighthearted layer to that tradition. It’s a way to say, “Hey, you’re part of the club,” with a little extra charm and humor.
So next time you see a Jeep covered in tiny colored ducks, know that it’s all in good fun — and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get ducked yourself.
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.
[Video below answers this question: Can I drive barefoot in Florida?]