Is It Illegal to Hang Things From Your Rearview Mirror in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New York?

When my beloved Golden Retriever passed away, I hung his collar from the state he was born on my rearview mirror. It brought me some peace during my agony as if he was still riding around with me.

However, someone mentioned that his precious collar could get me pulled over, since it's illegal.

I was thinking, "Wait, hangable air fresheners are sold across the country." Fuzzy dice have made a comeback as retro continues to have a moment. Most of us even hung our masks there during the pandemic.

Goodness, I've seen everything from beads and necklaces to graduation tassels, a rabbit's foot good luck charm, and dream catchers hanging from rearview mirrors. So how could this possibly be illegal?

Drivers hang trinkets of all kinds.

According to Motor Biscuit, decorative or personal items dangling from your car’s rearview mirror are illegal in some states. In other states, you could get pulled over for having an obstructed view.

In general, according to Motor Biscuit, various laws around the country say that all drivers should have a clear and unobstructed view while driving. Objects or materials affixed anywhere on our vehicles that can reduce or obstruct our view can warrant a ticket.

This means in any state, law enforcement can pull you over if that officer thinks there's a safety issue.

While Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as the rest of New England aren't included in these states where it's against the law, you can still get pulled over.

According to the House Grail website, New York is one of the few states where it's illegal to hang items from your rearview mirror.

• California
• Arizona
• Texas
• Pennsylvania
• Colorado
• Minnesota
• New York
• Illinois

Again, it all comes down to the police officer's discretion if your vehicle is safe with completely unobstructed views. So wherever you are in New England, it's always a possibility.