Are dashboard and rearview mirror decorations illegal?

Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Mac, of Orlando, asked "is it illegal for drivers to hang things from their rearview mirrors?"

"Distractions are something we are constantly battling while in the car," Montiero said. "Why add to them with blocking your vision when you can set yourself up to be safe while traveling?"

Montiero attributes the variety of things he has seen hanging from rearview mirrors to living in Central Florida. This has included chains, CDs, Halloween masks and even a bouquet of flowers.

Florida Statute 316.2004 addresses obstructing a driver's view from several different angles.

The statute states "No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of such vehicle which materially obstructs, obscures, or impairs the driver’s clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway."

A violation of this law with a law enforcement citation issued would be considered a non-moving violation with a $114 fine in Orange County.

"I'm not saying you can't have anything hanging from your mirror, but let's think about this just for a second," Montiero said. "Why would you want something obstructing your view while traveling down the road in a large piece of metal?"

Montiero recommends saving the decorations for home and keeping a clear line of sight while in the car.

"Remember, I always say driving might be the most dangerous thing we do in our lives and not even know it," Montiero said.
 


About the Authors:

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

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