Is It Illegal to Hang Something From Your Rearview Mirror in Louisiana?
LOUISIANA - If you drive around Lafayette or anywhere else in Acadiana, chances are you've seen a little something dangling from someone's rearview mirror. Maybe it's an air freshener, a rosary, a graduation tassel, mardi gras beads, or one of those decorations people seem to keep in their cars for years.
It's a pretty common sight on Louisiana roads. But have you ever wondered whether hanging something from your rearview mirror is actually legal?
Well, no...but insome cases maybe.
The answer isn't quite as simple as you might think. Before you add another decoration to your car, here's what Louisiana drivers should know.
Is It Illegal To Hang An Air Freshener From Your Rearview Mirror In Louisiana?
Louisiana law doesn't specifically name every item people might hang from a rearview mirror. Instead, the state's laws address visibility and obstructions that could interfere with safe driving.
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:282, drivers cannot operate a vehicle when something obstructs their view to the front, sides, or rear. Another law, Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:361.1, prohibits objects or materials placed on or attached to the front windshield or front side windows when they obstruct or reduce the driver's clear view.
READ MORE: Is It Legal to Flash Your Headlights to Warn About Police?
That means the important question isn't simply whether an item is an air freshener, a religious decoration, or a souvenir. It's whether the item interferes with the driver's ability to see clearly.
What About Hanging A Rosary, Graduation Tassel, Or Other Decoration?
We all like to hang things from our rearview mirrors. A rosary might have sentimental or religious significance, while a graduation tassel could be a reminder of a major accomplishment.
Others simply like having a favorite air freshener or a small decoration inside their vehicle.
But even a small object can become a distraction if it swings around while you're driving. A larger item could also interfere with your view of pedestrians, traffic signals, vehicles, or other potential hazards.
READ MORE: 6 Crucial Louisiana Speeding Laws You Need to Know
Can You Get A Ticket For Something Hanging From Your Rearview Mirror?
Well, the short answer is "Yes". Louisiana's visibility statutes address obstructions, but they don't provide a simple list declaring every type of hanging decoration illegal.
If an officer determines that whatever you have hanging from your rearview mirror is obstructing your ability to see the road and traffic clearly, you can definately be pulled over and ticketed. Things like an air freshener or a Mardi Gras bead probably won't get you pulled over, but like I said earlier, it's pretty much up to an officer's discretion.
You don't necessarily have to remove every air freshener or personal decoration from your vehicle. However, Louisiana law does require drivers to maintain a clear view, and objects that obstruct that view can create a legal issue.
READ MORE: What Does A White Cloth Hanging From A Car Window Mean?
So before hanging something new from your rearview mirror, take a moment to consider whether it could interfere with your visibility.
Your favorite car decoration might look great, but being able to see the road clearly is a whole lot more important.
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Gallery Credit: Michael Scott