Perth: A woman was left stunned after being warned she could be fined $100 and lose a demerit point, all because of an air freshener hanging from her rearview mirror. Janelle McEvoy shared her surprise after a routine traffic stop, where a police officer pointed out that her Jelly Belly air freshener could obstruct her view and violate a little-known road safety rule. Photo courtesy: Shutter Stock.
“I was shocked,” McEvoy explained. “I’ve had it there for ages, like many drivers do. I had no idea it could lead to a fine. I didn’t think something so small could be an issue.”
This incident, while seemingly minor, highlights a broader issue many drivers are unaware of objects hanging from rearview mirrors or attached to windshields can result in fines across Australia. Though it may seem trivial, blocking a driver’s full and uninterrupted view of the road can be dangerous—and costly.
Why the Rule Exists
A spokesperson from the WA Road Safety Commission explained that items hanging from mirrors, like air fresheners, toys, or even fluffy dice, can obstruct a driver’s view and potentially cause accidents.
“You can be fined if an object hanging off your mirror prevents you from having a clear view of the road ahead or traffic around you,” the spokesperson said. “It’s not just about air fresheners. Mascots, toys, and even phone holders in the wrong place can lead to fines.”
Hidden Dangers: What Else Can Block Your View?
While air fresheners are one of the most common offenders, many drivers unknowingly put themselves at risk of fines by having other objects in their line of sight.
GPS Devices: If mounted improperly, GPS units can obstruct the windshield, making it harder to see pedestrians or vehicles at intersections.
Dash Cameras: When positioned poorly, dash cameras, especially larger models, can block parts of the road ahead.
Phone Holders: Placing phone holders too high on the dashboard or windshield can interfere with your peripheral vision and reduce reaction time in critical situations.
Sun Visors: Many drivers adjust their sun visors to block glare, but if left down or hanging too low, they can obscure part of the road.
Rear Window Clutter: Items placed on the rear dashboard—like hats, jackets, or shopping bags—can reduce visibility when checking mirrors or reversing.
Penalties Across Australia
The fines and penalties for driving without a clear view vary across Australia. In New South Wales, drivers face a $410 fine and a loss of three demerit points. In Victoria, the fine is $296, and in Queensland, the maximum penalty can be up to 20 penalty units, with one unit equating to $161. South Australia imposes a $221 fine for similar offenses.
While the penalties may differ, the rule remains the same: drivers must have an unobstructed view of the road ahead, behind, and to both sides.
Common Misconceptions
Following the incident, McEvoy shared her story online, where it quickly went viral, amassing over one million views. Many people in the comments admitted they weren’t aware of the rule.
“I think I have about 30 air fresheners hanging from mine,” one person admitted.
Others, however, pointed out that the rule has been around for a while, but enforcement is inconsistent. “It’s always been the rule in Australia, but not every cop will fine you for it. It really depends on the day and the officer,” one commenter said.
Stay Safe: Keep Your View Clear
While it may be tempting to decorate your car or use practical items like phone holders and dash cams, it's important to ensure they don’t block your view. Objects that seem harmless could lead to fines, demerit points, or even accidents.
In McEvoy’s case, she wasn’t fined on the spot but was warned to remove the air freshener. “I didn’t know it was an issue, but I’ll definitely be taking it down now,” she said.
The lesson here is clear: small objects can have big consequences on the road. Stay aware and keep your view unobstructed to avoid fines—and keep everyone safer.