Many drivers are accustomed to personalizing their car by adding practical accessories. On the other hand, some people are sometimes unaware that some of them can clearly earn them a fine.
A rule ignored in the car
It only takes a walk near parked cars to notice a widespread habit. Many drivers have opted for decorative items hanging under their car’s rearview mirror. Whether they are small souvenirs, lucky charms or even the famous air freshener trees, these accessories remain omnipresent.
However, be aware that these objects represent a real danger for road safety. Indeed, their location, just in front of the windshield, may reduce driver visibility and distract his attention.
Moreover, some countries such as Luxembourg have taken drastic measures by completely banning this practice. In France, this ban is not entirely explicit. But that doesn’t mean drivers are immune from punishment.
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Mandatory documents that you must always have in your car under penalty of fines
Indeed, drivers must understand the nuances of the Highway Code to assess risks. The latter does not contain any rules that directly prohibit accessories hanging from the car rearview mirror.
On the other hand, article R412-6 clearly indicates that “the driver’s field of vision must not be obstructed”. This includes anything that could hinder the perception of the road or other users.
If a hanging accessory remains considered obstructive to visibility, it could be considered an infraction. The driver must therefore ensure that nothing obstructs his windshield or limits his ability to anticipate dangers.
-A planned fine
This rule is not limited to decorations. Indeed, any object, whether it is a poorly positioned GPS, a dashcam or even poorly adjusted sun visors, can result in a fine if its location remains problematic in the car.
In the event of a check, a police officer may consider that an object hanging from the rear-view mirror constitutes an obstacle to the driver’s field of vision. The latter then risks a fine of 35 euros. The police can then rely on a text from the Highway Code.
To read
This reflex that we all have in the car is punishable by a hefty fine
It states: “Your possibilities of movement and your field of vision must not be reduced by the number or position of passengers, by the objects carried or by the affixing of non-transparent objects to the windows”.
Insurers can also intervene in the event of an accident. If they consider that an accessory in the car contributed to reducing the driver’s visibility, this could complicate reimbursement procedures or lead to partial liability.
Drivers must realize that road safety remains more important than their decorative preferences. This is why they should remove any object hanging from their car’s rearview mirror, especially if it is bulky or distracting.
