Is it illegal to have your mask hanging from your mirror in New York State? You may be surprised by what the law says. As I have dug deeper and deeper into state laws, I found some really strange ones. I mean, I guess they make sense, but many of them aren't really practical, like this law, for example.

In New York, it is indeed to hang a mask, an air freshener, or anything else from your rearview mirror. According to New York Consolidated Laws, Vehicle and Traffic Law - VAT § 375. Equipment,

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle with any object placed or hung in or upon the vehicle, except required or permitted equipment of the vehicle, in such a manner as to obstruct or interfere with the view of the operator through the windshield, or to prevent him from having a clear and full view of the road and condition of traffic behind such vehicle.

Photo by Josh Frenette on Unsplash
Photo by Josh Frenette on Unsplash
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So basically, unless it is required by law, it's not legal. So your mask, old air fresheners that lost their scent 2 years ago, your faded fuzzy dice, your rosary, dog tags, or anything else is against the law. Crazy, right? I am definitely guilty of having several old air fresheners hanging from my rearview mirror.

And it's pretty costly to get ticketed for an obstructed view in New York. According to TrafficTickets.com,

A ticket for an obstructed view means facing a fine of up to $150 with an NYS surcharge of $88 or $93 (depending on where the ticket was issued) and 2 points on one’s license. A second offense in 18 months can mean a fine of up to $300 fine and a third offense costs as much as $450.

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The moral of the story is, find another place to hang your personal items, just in case you get pulled over by a very strict cop. As for my masks, I bought a little zippered pouch from the dollar store. I keep the mask I am currently using and some spares in it and store it in the storage area on the door. It works like a charm!

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