10 Common Things People Hang From Their Rear View Mirror & 10 Reasons It's Dangerous
10 Common Things People Hang From Their Rear View Mirror & 10 Reasons It's Dangerous
Rear View Realities
Take a quick glance inside any line of cars and you’ll notice something funny: mirrors rarely sit bare. Drivers love adding their own twist, dangling bits that feel personal or just plain amusing. But while those dangling decorations may look harmless, they can cause more problems than you might think. So, first, here are ten of the most common things people love to hang on their rear view mirrors.
1. Air Freshener
The humble pine tree air freshener has become one of the most recognizable car accessories in the world. Drivers can choose familiar fragrances like vanilla, lemon, and coconut, or go for novelty options such as “new car smell” and tropical blends.
2. Fuzzy Dice
Fuzzy dice carry a history rooted in rebellion. The tradition began during WWII, when fighter pilots hung actual dice in their cockpits as good-luck charms, a reminder that every mission was a gamble with fate. After the war, that symbolism drifted into American car culture, and street racers embraced plush, oversized versions as a badge of daring.
3. Graduation Tassel
Graduation tassels make the journey from cap to car, turning a short-lived ceremonial accessory into a long-lasting symbol of pride. Each time they sway with the motion of the car, they serve as daily reminders of academic milestones achieved and the personal effort that carried someone across the stage.
4. Dreamcatcher
Some drivers seek protection during travel through traditional dreamcatchers. Originally created by the Ojibwe people, these decorative items feature striking combinations of feathers and beads. Meanwhile, their supposed ability to ward off bad dreams adds spiritual significance to their presence.
5. Parking Permit Tag
Instead of adding personality or flair, some mirror hangings serve a purely functional role—like the ever-present parking permit. Issued by schools, businesses, and residential complexes, these tags act as instant proof of authorized access to specific lots or zones.
Mirortag Silver- Rear View Mirror Handicap Placard Holder with Detachable Hook by John M
6. Beaded Or Decorative Necklace
Beaded necklaces have become fixtures on many rearview mirrors across America. Not only can these decorative pieces add a personal touch and color, but they also showcase natural materials like wood or shells. Today, many car owners choose between handmade versions or souvenir options.
7. Hawaiian Lei
A Hawaiian lei dangling from the rear view mirror transports drivers back to island memories. These traditional flower garlands symbolize both celebration and affection, yet their presence in cars extends beyond vacation souvenirs. Additionally, many motorists display leis to mark special occasions.
Janine from Mililani, Hawaii, United States on Wikimedia
8. Religious Symbols
Not every passenger rides on four wheels—sometimes faith takes the front seat. Crosses, prayer beads, and rosaries dangle from mirrors as visible signs of devotion. They’ve become lasting traditions, blending spiritual reassurance with a touch of everyday style on the road.
9. Small National Flag
Small flags hung from rear view mirrors connect drivers to their cultural roots and national identity. These compact symbols are especially meaningful for expatriates and travelers. The practice has become a mobile celebration of patriotism.
10. Festival Or Event Wristbands
Nothing says “I was there” quite like a wristband dangling from the rearview mirror. Big events often hand out these colorful keepsakes, which drivers later turn into rolling souvenirs. Over time, a cluster of bands becomes less about decoration and more about building a personal highlight reel.
8 Classic Things to Hang From Your Rearview Mirror by Glass Doctor
Now, let’s talk about ten reasons those dangling add-ons aren’t as harmless as they look.
1. Blocked Line Of Sight
Rearview mirror clutter isn’t just a bad habit—it’s just totally unsafe. Safety specialists stress that dangling items, no matter how small, can block visibility. And a missed glance could mean failing to notice a pedestrian crossing or a car pulling into your lane.
2. Slower Reaction Times
It might not seem like a swinging ornament could slow you down, but on the road, even the smallest delay matters. When an unexpected hazard appears—like a cyclist cutting across traffic—you need instant focus. If something dangling in your line of sight makes you hesitate, the results can be devastating.
3. Headlight Glare At Night
Decorative items with shiny surfaces scatter incoming headlights, creating dangerous driving conditions. At night, these visibility problems become more severe, yet many drivers remain unaware. The increased glare also interferes with accurate distance judgment.
4. Airbag Deployment Hazards
Airbags are designed to deploy at tremendous speeds—often up to 200 miles per hour—to protect drivers and passengers in a crash. However, this force doesn’t discriminate, as any object hanging from the rearview mirror can be instantly transformed into a high-speed projectile.
5. Interference With Mirror Use
Rearview mirrors are engineered to stay firmly in place using heavy-duty adhesive, but that adhesive is designed to support only the mirror itself. Adding extra weight with dangling objects places unnecessary strain on the mount, increasing the risk of loosening or even full detachment.
6. Emergency Exit Complications
Emergency crews work against the clock, and obstacles in a vehicle can slow them down. Hanging objects near the windshield interfere with their ability to reach injured passengers quickly. Plus, passengers attempting urgent exits risk snagging clothing or limbs on dangling decorations.
7. Injury Risks To Passengers
In the event of a stop or collision, any object suspended from the rearview mirror can instantly turn into a rocket. Front seat passengers are particularly vulnerable as decorations fly forward with force. It just increases the chance of cuts, bruises, or more severe injuries.
8. False Alarms For Motion-Sensing Devices
Dangling decorations from your rearview mirror pose unexpected risks to vehicle security systems. These items regularly trigger false alarms, while motion sensors misinterpret the movement as a threat. Beyond that, unnecessary alerts can startle drivers and create dangerous distractions.
9. Potential Insurance Complications
Insurance providers carefully examine accident causes before processing claims. When hanging objects contribute to crashes through impaired visibility, companies reduce or deny coverage. Meanwhile, drivers found at fault for mirror-obstruction accidents face serious financial consequences.
10. Legal Trouble From Hanging Objects
What feels like a personal touch on your mirror can quickly become a legal liability. Certain jurisdictions have zero tolerance for objects that compromise visibility, and enforcement can be strict. Drivers have been cited for everything from fuzzy dice to official permits, all because they obstructed the windshield.
