Australia’s road safety regulations in 2025 have tightened, making something as simple as hanging an object from the rearview mirror a potential legal and financial risk. This change is part of a broader effort across all states and territories to reduce distractions and improve driver visibility.

The New Rule Explained

Under the Australian Road Rules, specifically Rule 297(2), drivers must maintain a completely clear and unobstructed view of the road and surrounding traffic. Any object hanging from a rearview mirror — whether it’s an air freshener, rosary beads, fuzzy dice, or other decorative items — can now be considered an obstruction.

Authorities argue that even small items can block a driver’s peripheral vision, especially when spotting pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles emerging from intersections. The regulation applies nationwide, but penalties for breaking it vary depending on location.

State-by-State Penalties in 2025

Penalties differ across Australia, with some states imposing severe fines and demerit points:

• New South Wales (NSW) – $410 fine and three demerit points
• Western Australia (WA) – $100 fine and one demerit point
• Victoria (VIC) – $296 to $361 depending on circumstances
• Queensland (QLD) – On-the-spot fines up to $361
• South Australia (SA) – Up to $211 fine

Even an item as small as a dangling fragrance can trigger a fine if it is deemed to obstruct the driver’s vision. The decision is often left to the discretion of police officers during roadside inspections.

Why Authorities Are Cracking Down

Hanging items from a rearview mirror may not seem like a significant hazard, but even minimal visual obstructions can delay reaction time. In critical driving situations, a fraction of a second can make the difference between avoiding a collision and causing one.

The obstruction caused by a hanging item can:

• Block the view of children crossing the road
• Hide small vehicles or motorbikes coming from the side
• Distract the driver with movement, especially while turning or braking

In previous years, roadside enforcement often overlooked minor decorative items. However, rising accident statistics linked to distracted driving have prompted a stricter application of existing laws across Australia in 2025.

Legal Responsibility for Visibility

Driving laws place responsibility squarely on the motorist to ensure that their windscreen and mirrors remain completely clear. This applies to both moving and stationary vehicles — meaning if you are pulled over and an obstruction is noticed, a penalty can still be recorded.

Rule 297(2) does not specifically list banned items, but it applies to any object that interferes with road visibility. This broad interpretation has led to increased enforcement, especially in urban areas where traffic density heightens the danger of impaired views.

How to Avoid Breaching the Law

Drivers can stay compliant by making small changes in vehicle setup:

• Remove all hanging objects before driving, regardless of size
• Use dashboard holders or adhesive-free clips for parking permits or temporary vehicle passes
• Perform a quick visibility check each time before starting the car
• If you need certain accessories, keep them fixed securely to the dashboard rather than suspended from mirrors

These steps not only help avoid fines but also contribute to reducing accident risk.

Public Awareness and Enforcement Trends

In 2025, police across several states have begun incorporating mirror and windscreen checks into routine traffic stops. Data from roadside enforcement shows an increase in related fines compared to last year, suggesting that awareness among drivers is still low.

Public campaigns are expected to grow in the next year, with state governments focusing on distracted driving prevention. NSW and VIC have already launched online advisories explaining the risks of visual obstructions.

A Legal Change Rooted in Safety Statistics

Australian road authorities cite multiple studies indicating that even small moving obstructions can affect driver response. For instance, a swinging object in the mirror can pull a driver’s attention away from the road, especially during sharp turns or quick stops.

While such incidents might not always cause direct collisions, they increase the likelihood of delayed reactions — a major factor in intersection accidents and pedestrian incidents. This evidence has driven much of the stepped-up enforcement.

Consequences Beyond Fines

Apart from fines and demerit points, breaching this rule can affect insurance claims. If an accident occurs and investigators find vision obstruction from a hanging item, insurers may reduce or deny payout due to breach of driving law. This makes compliance not only a legal but also a financial imperative.

Looking Ahead

Given the nationwide rollout, it is expected that enforcement will become more uniform in late 2025 and 2026. Drivers should anticipate greater roadside inspection of interior vehicle setups. As awareness grows, hanging items — once a common feature of Australian cars — may disappear entirely from rearview mirrors.

Removing these objects is a simple step that supports clearer driving visibility, reduces distraction, and ensures compliance with the updated road safety rules. Whether you drive in the city or outback, adhering to Rule 297(2) protects both your licence and the people around you.