Is it legal to hang items from your rearview mirror in Illinois? The law changes in 2024
Whether you have an accessible parking space placard to hang or you simply like to display decorative items on your rearview mirror, you may have wondered if the practice is legal and if you could be pulled over and ticketed.
State laws vary in Illinois and Missouri on the issue, and enforcement will soon change in the Land of Lincoln for those hanging large items from their rearview mirrors.
Here’s what to know about each state’s laws.
Is it legal to hang items from your rearview mirror in Illinois?
It is unlawful to hang items from your rearview mirror in Illinois if they “materially obstruct” your view while driving. Currently, law enforcement officers can pull you over for the sole reason of a violation or suspected violation of this provision. However, that will be changing soon.
On Jan. 1, 2024, Illinois police officers will no longer be allowed to lawfully stop or search vehicles solely because they have something hanging from their rearview mirror, though it will still be considered a violation if the item materially obstructs the motorist’s view.
“No person shall drive a motor vehicle with any objects placed or suspended between the driver and the front windshield which materially obstruct the driver’s view. No motor vehicle, or driver or passenger of such vehicle, shall be stopped or searched by law enforcement solely on the basis of a violation or suspected violation of this subsection,” the Illinois act, which will be effective Jan. 1, says.
What about in Missouri?
Missouri has a specific law saying it’s unlawful to drive with a disability parking space placard hanging from your rearview mirror. Drivers are supposed to wait until they are parked to hang the card.
Missouri law does not prohibit hanging other items from rearview mirrors, but state officials discourage drivers from hanging distracting or view-obstructing objects from rearview mirrors, a 2020 KTVO report says.
In Illinois and Missouri, municipal codes may set stricter limits than state law for what’s allowed on rearview mirrors.
