Drivers could be fined for having air freshener hanging from rearview window

A woman has issued a warning to Aussie drivers over a little-known road rule which can incur hefty fines of up to $410.

Drivers have been shocked to learn a little-known road rule after a Perth woman was left reeling about the possibility she could be fined for having an air freshener hanging in her rearview mirror.

Janelle McEvoy told her followers on TikTok about the road rule after learning about it from a police officer who told her she could be penalised.

“I randomly got breath tested on the way to an event this morning and the police officer told me when I get home I need to remove this hanging from my car to avoid the $100 fine and the demerit point,” she said in her TikTok video, which has since had nearly 2 million views.

“Doesn’t everyone have one of these hanging from their car? Where is it supposed to go?”

Perth resident, Janelle McEvoy, says a police officer told her she could be fined for having an air freshener hanging from her rearview mirror. Picture: TikTok

Thousands of people flocked to her comment section to also share their surprise over the obscure road rule.

One person commented saying they were shocked after watching Ms McEvoy’s video.

“The way my jaw dropped when you showed what it was cause I bought the exact same thing not too long ago,” the person wrote.

One person said they “feel attacked” after learning about the rule.

Another added “That’s crazy, I have like four air fresheners and tow crystal chains hanging from my car”.

However, many people said hey knew about the rule but didn’t realise it could cost them money or demerit points if caught.

“I think it has something to do ‘blocking your vision’,” one said.

“I have a bunch of things hanging up and never been told off for it.”

Another added: “I’ve heard of this before but I thought it was only for things that are very obnoxious like the big dice or something that could obstruct view.”

What are the rules?

Each state has different rules and penalties when it comes to having an item hanging form your review mirror.

According to authorities if the item is deemed to be obstructing the driver’s view or is a distraction, a fine or demerit points can be issued depending on which state or territory you’re in.

Janelle McEvoy says she was surprised to learn about the road rule. Picture: TikTok

Drivers could be fined if their vision is obscured. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

In NSW, drivers without a clear view of the road can be fined $410 fine and have three demerit points issued.

In Western Australia, a $100 fine applies along with a demerit point under the Traffic Code 2000 could be handed out.

The WA code states that “a driver must not drive a vehicle unless he or she can obtain a full and uninterrupted view of the road and any traffic ahead and on each side of him and her”.

Elsewhere in other states, drivers can only be fined if their vision is obstructed as they don’t run the risk of having demerit points issued.

In Victoria, a $296 fine can be handed out if the item is obstructing the view of the driver.

In Queensland, drivers face the possibility of an on-the-spot fine of $361 if they’ve got an obstructed view of the road.

In SA, a fine of $211 can apply.

Originally published as Drivers could be fined for having air freshener hanging from rearview window