Is it allowed to hang items on the rearview mirror?
4 Answers
It is not allowed to hang items on the rearview mirror as it may obstruct the driver's view, and traffic police may impose penalties if caught. According to Article 62, Paragraph 2 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, drivers are prohibited from hanging or placing items within the front and rear windows of the vehicle that may obstruct their view. A car has three auxiliary mirrors: two on the outside, which are the left and right side mirrors, and one inside, which is the rearview mirror. The rearview mirror plays a crucial role in helping the driver judge the distance between vehicles ahead and behind. Additionally, the rearview mirror has an anti-glare function. When driving at night, activating this feature can effectively prevent strong light from vehicles behind from affecting the driver's visibility.
I've been driving for ten years, and hanging things on the rearview mirror is something you really need to be cautious about. Traffic regulations in many places prohibit obstructing the view, and the rearview mirror is your lifeline for observing vehicles behind you. Hanging a small ornament might seem harmless, but when it shakes during bumps, it can easily block crucial visibility. I've seen a friend almost get into an accident because they didn’t notice an approaching car due to a small decoration. If the police catch you, the penalty could range from a fine of a hundred or two to even points deducted from your license—hardly worth the risk. Safety comes first, so I recommend not hanging anything. If you really want to personalize your car, consider small stickers on the edge of the glass or using a dedicated dashboard holder for small items, but make sure they don’t interfere with airbags or driving operations. Remember, clear visibility is the foundation of driving safety, and any distraction could lead to disaster. Developing a habit of regularly checking that your rearview mirror is clean and unobstructed is far more meaningful than hanging decorations.
Last year, I bought a new car and excitedly hung a small amulet from the rearview mirror, thinking it was quite meaningful. However, during a long-distance drive, it suddenly started swinging, blocking my view on the right side, almost causing me to miss an exit and giving me a real scare. To make matters worse, I was stopped by traffic police in the city and warned that it violated safety regulations, resulting in a 150-yuan fine. From then on, I immediately removed it. Now, I use a magnetic phone mount fixed on the dashboard—safe and convenient. Hanging things might express personality, but the risks are too high, especially in congested urban areas where frequent glances at the rearview mirror can lead to rear-end collisions or scrapes due to any obstruction. After sharing this with my family, they also checked their own cars and agreed that staying focused while driving is more important than decorations. A simple change in habits can prevent potential dangers.
In some traditional customs, hanging amulets on rearview mirrors is quite common, symbolizing good luck or blessings. However, modern driving regulations generally prohibit this practice as it may sway and obstruct the driver's view, increasing the risk of accidents. I've noticed many drivers still habitually hang small ornaments, but safety should always come first. If you really wish to hang something, opt for a small, lightweight, and securely fixed item placed in the inner corner to avoid blocking the main field of vision. Nevertheless, it's best to comply with traffic laws and express personal style through alternative means like interior decorations or stickers. The essence of safe driving lies in maintaining a clear line of sight—any distractions should be avoided.
