New 2025 Driving Law: Hanging Air Fresheners or Hanging Items From Mirrors Could Cost You $344

If you’ve ever had an air freshener swinging from your rearview mirror, 2025 might be the year to take it down. Australia’s newly updated road safety laws have taken a tougher stance on anything that obstructs a driver’s line of sight — including decorative charms, beads, and even parking tags. What many motorists once viewed as harmless accessories are now officially on the radar of law enforcement.

According to transport officials, the reform is part of a nationwide effort to reduce distractions and improve visibility, especially as accident data continues to show that even minor obstructions can delay a driver’s reaction time by crucial seconds.

Australia’s Updated Road Safety Regulations in 2025

From January 2025, Australia’s National Road Safety Framework introduced a new set of visibility and obstruction standards that apply across all states and territories. These rules specifically target anything attached to or hanging from a rearview mirror or windscreen that could impede a driver’s clear view.

Authorities say these changes come after an increase in road incidents where in-car obstructions — like hanging decorations or dashboard clutter — were identified as contributing factors.

“A few centimetres of obstruction can mean the difference between spotting a cyclist or missing one,” said a spokesperson from Transport for NSW. “Our goal isn’t to fine people — it’s to prevent accidents before they happen.”

What the Law Covers

The legislation is broad in scope and applies to any object that limits the driver’s vision, including:

• Air fresheners and scented diffusers
• Rosary beads, crosses, or religious charms
• Fuzzy dice, tassels, or decorative trinkets
• Parking or access permits not placed in designated holders
• Mobile phone mounts blocking view zones

Essentially, if it dangles, swings, or obstructs any part of the driver’s forward view, it could now attract a fine.

Rearview Mirror Obstruction Laws Explained

Under the Australian Road Rules 299(1), it’s illegal to drive a vehicle if the driver’s view of the road or traffic ahead is obstructed in any way. This rule has existed for years, but the 2025 reforms give police broader authority to interpret and enforce it more consistently.

Law enforcement agencies across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland have confirmed that they will actively patrol and issue penalties for mirror obstructions — even during routine traffic stops.

Officers have also been trained to assess whether objects hanging from the mirror could interfere with:

• The driver’s visibility of pedestrians or vehicles approaching intersections
• Judging distances when overtaking or merging
• Reaction time during sudden stops

Fines and Penalties for Hanging Objects on Mirrors

The penalties vary slightly between states, but all jurisdictions have committed to applying the updated rules under the national framework.

State / Territory	Fine (AUD)	Demerit Points	Applicable Regulation
Queensland	$344	2	Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Regulation
Victoria	$227 – $303	1–2	Road Safety Road Rules 2017, Rule 299
New South Wales	$272	2	Road Rules 2014 (Rule 299)
South Australia	$254	1	Road Traffic (Safety and Enforcement) Amendment 2025
Western Australia	$300	2	Road Traffic Code 2025

Repeat offenders could face increased fines or licence suspension for persistent non-compliance. While this might sound harsh for something as small as an air freshener, authorities argue the visual impairment it creates can be enough to cause a split-second delay in judgment — with serious consequences.

Why the Law Matters

The stricter visibility laws are based on data and real-world testing by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). Simulated studies showed that even a small dangling object can:

• Block a pedestrian’s silhouette when approaching from the side
• Distract a driver’s gaze by swinging with vehicle movement
• Obstruct peripheral vision during turning or lane changes

With road deaths rising to 1,266 fatalities in 2024, the government has focused on distraction reduction as one of its key priorities under the Road Safety Strategy 2030.

“Every small step toward eliminating distraction counts,” said Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. “If removing a hanging charm saves one life, it’s worth enforcing.”

How Drivers Can Stay Compliant in 2025

The new rules are straightforward, and compliance doesn’t require major adjustments — just a bit more awareness.

Here’s how to stay fine-free under Australia’s 2025 road laws:

1. Remove all hanging items from your rearview mirror before driving.
2. Use dashboard or clip-on holders for permits and passes that don’t obstruct the view.
3. Check your windscreen area for suction-mounted accessories like GPS units or dash cams that may intrude into sightlines.
4. Perform a “clear view” test: Sit in the driver’s seat and scan the entire windshield area — if anything interferes, take it down.
5. Keep the interior clutter-free, especially around the dashboard and A-pillars.

Drivers can also refer to their state’s transport authority websites for detailed visibility diagrams showing what is considered acceptable.

Broader 2025 Road Safety Reforms

The mirror obstruction rule is just one element of Australia’s comprehensive road safety overhaul this year. Other updates introduced in 2025 include:

• $1,500 distracted driving fines for eating, drinking, or vaping while driving.
• $600 penalties for illegal window tints or modified visibility.
• Enhanced AI-driven enforcement cameras capable of detecting driver distractions and seatbelt use.
• Tighter senior driver medical checks and testing requirements from age 70+.

Together, these measures reflect a nationwide shift from reactive policing to preventive safety enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Australia’s 2025 road safety laws make one thing crystal clear — visibility matters. That dangling air freshener or decorative charm might seem insignificant, but under the new enforcement approach, it could cost you up to $344 and valuable demerit points.

The goal isn’t to strip away small comforts — it’s to keep every driver’s view of the road as unobstructed and distraction-free as possible.

So before your next drive, take a quick look in the mirror. If it’s hanging, swaying, or blocking even a fraction of your vision — take it down.

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