Is it allowed to hang objects on the rearview mirror in the car?
3 Answers
It is not allowed to hang objects on the rearview mirror in the car as it may obstruct the driver's view, and penalties may be imposed if caught by traffic police. 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. The functions of the rearview mirror in the car are: 1. To observe traffic conditions on both sides and behind to prevent sudden situations; 2. To observe passengers in the rear seats; 3. To judge the distance from the vehicle behind during emergency braking; 4. To expand the driver's field of vision; 5. To observe the distance from non-motorized vehicles or pedestrians.
I once hung a small ornament from my rearview mirror in the car, thinking it looked quite nice and added a bit of personalization. However, one time while driving, it swung around and blocked part of my view, almost causing me to miss seeing a car behind me. Fortunately, I reacted quickly and avoided an accident. Later, I looked it up and found that traffic regulations in many places prohibit hanging anything in the windshield area to prevent distractions or complete obstruction of view. Violating this rule could result in fines or points deducted from your license. If you really want to hang a small decoration, make sure it’s very lightweight and doesn’t swing too much, and position it not too low. Of course, a safer option is to hang it in the back seat or use another empty space inside the car. In short, driving safety comes first, so try not to take risks for the sake of small decorations.
Having driven for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous accidents caused by minor details, with hanging objects on rearview mirrors being a common issue. Items on the windshield, especially heavy or long ones, can severely obstruct the rear view and increase the likelihood of collisions. Legally, China's Road Traffic Safety Law explicitly prohibits any obstruction of the driver's view, with immediate fines upon violation. Even lightweight objects can become dangerous projectiles during sudden braking. From experience, I recommend avoiding hanging anything there altogether. Alternatives include using the space below the rearview mirror or the dashboard for small items to ensure an unobstructed view. Safe driving isn't just about skill—it's about every decision you make.