Is It True You Can Get in Trouble for Hanging Keychains? The Legal & Mechanical Reality

We all personalize our cars. Whether it’s a graduation tassel hanging from the rear-view mirror, a chunky lanyard, or a keychain loaded with gym passes and rewards cards, these accessories feel harmless. But a persistent rumor suggests that these simple decorations can land you in hot water.

The short answer is: Yes, you can absolutely get in trouble for hanging keychains, but the “trouble” comes in two very different forms.

First, there is legal trouble. Hanging items from your rear-view mirror is actually illegal in a surprising number of states due to “obstruction of view” laws. Second, there is mechanical trouble. A heavy keychain weighing down your ignition switch can cause catastrophic internal damage to your steering column.

This guide analyzes the laws, the mechanics, and the safety risks associated with what you hang in your car.

Legal Trouble: The “Obstruction of View” Laws

The most common way drivers get in trouble is by hanging items from the rear-view mirror. While it seems innocent to hang fuzzy dice, an air freshener, or a mask, many states define this as a traffic violation.

What Counts as an Obstruction?

Laws vary by state, but generally, anything that hangs between the driver and the windshield can be cited. This includes:

• Air fresheners (Little Trees).
• Lanyards and ID badges.
• Handicap placards (while the vehicle is in motion).
• GPS mounts placed in the center of the windshield.
• Rosary beads or religious items.

Why Is It Illegal?

It creates a blind spot. A swinging object creates a dynamic blind spot that your brain tries to ignore, but it can easily hide a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a vehicle at a 4-way stop. This falls under the same safety logic as laws regarding driving with a cracked windshield—if you can’t see perfectly, you aren’t safe.

Probable Cause

The real danger here isn’t usually the fine (which is often small); it is probable cause. If a police officer wants to pull you over but hasn’t seen you speed, a hanging air freshener gives them a legal reason to initiate a traffic stop. This can lead to tickets for other issues.

Mechanical Trouble: The Heavy Keychain Effect

If you have an older car with a traditional physical key ignition (not a push-to-start button), a heavy keychain is a silent killer.

How Gravity Destroys Ignitions

The ignition switch is a delicate mechanism containing small tumblers and springs. When you insert your key, it aligns these tumblers. If you have a keychain weighing 1-2 pounds hanging from that key, gravity pulls downward constantly.

Every time you hit a bump, pothole, or corner, that weight swings, acting like a pendulum. Over time, this wears down the internal tumblers. This can lead to:

• Ignition Failure: The car won’t start because the key no longer engages.
• Engine Cut-off: The weight pulls the key from “Run” to “Accessory” while driving, killing the engine, power steering, and airbags.
• Key Trap: You can’t pull the key out of the ignition.

This issue became famous during the massive GM ignition switch recall, where heavy keys were implicated in vehicles shutting off unexpectedly. If you notice mechanical issues, like vibrations or rattling, it might be related. See our guide on why cars shake while driving for other potential causes.

Legal Trouble: Self-Defense Keychains

In recent years, “self-defense” keychains have become popular, particularly cat-ear knuckles (kubotans) and pepper spray fobs. Can you get in trouble for these?

Yes, depending on your location.

• Brass Knuckles: Many cute “cat ear” keychains are legally defined as brass knuckles. In states like California, Texas, and Illinois, possessing metal knuckles is a crime (often a misdemeanor or even a felony).
• Hidden Blades: Keychains that conceal a small knife may violate concealed weapon laws if the blade exceeds a certain length.
• Pepper Spray: While legal in most places, some states restrict the size of the canister or require a permit.

Always check your local penal code before attaching a weapon to your car keys. Instead of risky weapons, consider keeping legal car safety tools in your vehicle.

States with Strict Mirror Obstruction Laws

While almost every state has a law about “safe operation,” these states are known for having specific statutes explicitly banning hanging objects:

Even if not listed here, it is best practice to keep the windshield clear. This same logic applies to other distractions; for example, we explore similar safety myths in our article on driving with interior lights on.

Smart Alternatives

You don’t have to sacrifice personality for legality. Here is how to stay out of trouble:

1. Use Vent Clips: For air fresheners, clip them to the vent. It works better and is 100% legal.
2. Sun Visor Organizers: Keep your garage door opener and sunglasses clipped to the visor, not the mirror.
3. Quick-Release Keychains: If you carry many keys, use a Valet keychain that lets you detach the car key from the rest of the heavy bundle while driving.
4. Dashboard Mounts: Mount your GPS or phone low on the dashboard, not high on the windshield where it blocks your view.