For many people, the interior of their car is an extension of their personality, and in many cases, that can extend to their faith, hygiene, or even their cheerful personality.
- If it can block your view, it can be illegal
- Decorative items such as smooth dice can cause you to clash
- Other hanging objects such as rosaries or masks may result in fines
You might come across a car with a wreath hanging from the rearview mirror, or maybe a set fuzzy dice, a religious object such as a rosary, or an image of a god or deities. But any of those things — or anything other than those that might obstruct your vision — could get you in trouble.
And no, we’re not talking about trouble with the church that might violate the canonical requirement that the sacraments be treated with proper reverence (thank you, Catholic Answers to that) ), but in Australia there are laws around being able to have a clear view of the way forward.
Australian Roads Law 297 (2) states: “A motorist may not drive a motor vehicle unless the driver has a clear view of the road and traffic, ahead, behind and to each side of the driver. “
That may be left open to interpretation to some extent, but the intent seems clear. Don’t hang anything on the mirror that could hinder you from finding your way on the road.
Think about it for a second. A pedestrian can step out from behind a parked car, and if you can’t see them because your favorite stuffed toy is hanging from your rearview mirror and blocking your view, you can’t see them. You can get in more trouble than just being fined.
The rules vary between different jurisdictions in Australia, but it is the same as the fuzzy dice situation.
That means in NSW you could be fined around $350 and have three points deducted from your license. In Queensland, the fines are similar but without the demerit points.
In Victoria, Violations Code 2088 states that an offense can be committed if the driver does not “have full control of the vehicle”. [and an] uninterrupted view”. Can be fined more than $200.
You may not have a conflict if you have a small rosary, but if you have a chrome cross the size of a small dog dangling from a mirror, you may find that a police officer Supervisors can strictly enforce the rules.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
