Illinois drivers will be able to hang air fresheners, placards and other items from their rearview mirror without the risk of being pulled over by police under a proposal from state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, that was signed into law Friday.
“It is not uncommon for drivers to have a small rosary, disability placard or air freshener hanging from their rearview mirror,” Ford said in a statement. “These items are not impairing the driver’s ability to see, but unfortunately it can be used as a justification for a traffic stop. These kinds of stops may be discriminatory in nature, which is why we’re putting an end to it.”
Ford partnered with the secretary of state to pass House Bill 2389, which prohibits police from stopping a vehicle solely on the basis that there are objects between the driver and the front windshield, rear window or side windows – such as an item hanging from the rearview mirror.
The bill will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.
“This commonsense update will reduce unnecessary police interactions and make communities safer,” Ford said. “I appreciate the advocacy and partnership from Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias on this topic and look forward to working together on other issues residents are concerned about.”