The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of decorating not just our homes but often our cars too. It's a time when we express our holiday cheer and personality, decking out our vehicles with everything from tinsel to themed air fresheners. However, a new trend has emerged that could see Aussie drivers unwittingly driving down a costly road.



For years, car enthusiasts have adorned their rearview mirrors with various trinkets, from the classic fluffy dice to more modern beaded charms. These items have been a way for drivers to personalize their space on the road. But what seems like a harmless tradition could actually lead to a significant dent in your bank account.


A recent viral TikTok trend has brought this issue to the forefront, with a particular soft toy brand, Jellycat, becoming the must-have car decoration this Christmas. Jellycat is known for its adorable plush designs, ranging from cuddly bunnies to whimsical fruit and vegetable characters. Among these, the Jellycat cherry has become an internet sensation, causing a stir not just for its cuteness but for the potential financial repercussions for drivers.



Searches for 'Jellycat Christmas Gift' have skyrocketed by 155 per cent in the past month, with the cherry design experiencing an astonishing 194 per cent spike in demand. TikTok has been flooded with over 38.4 million posts featuring the Jellycat cherry, with one trending video garnering more than 1.1 million views and 91,000 likes. The video shows a driver hanging the plush cherries from their rearview mirror, encouraging others to follow suit. The comments section is filled with enthusiastic responses from viewers eager to join in on the trend.

However, what many don't realise is that these seemingly innocent decorations can obstruct a driver's view, which is illegal under Australian Road Rules 297 (2). This rule mandates that a driver must have a clear view of the road and traffic in all directions. The definition of what constitutes an obstruction is somewhat subjective, but the penalties for violating this rule are concrete and can be severe.

In New South Wales, drivers can face fines of approximately $350 and three demerit points, with similar penalties in Queensland. Victorian drivers could be hit with fines of over $200. The consequences are even more severe in the UK, where obstructed visibility can result in fines up to $2,500 and six penalty points on your license.



Keith Hawes, a director at Nationwide, has emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and visibility over following fashion and social media trends. He advises drivers to keep cuddly toys out of their cars to ensure road safety. Not only do drivers who obstruct their view increase their risk of accidents, but they also expose themselves to high fines and penalties.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, while we all love to get into the holiday spirit, let's remember to do so safely. If you've received a Jellycat or any other decoration as a gift this Christmas, consider placing it somewhere other than your rearview mirror. Perhaps it can find a home on your dashboard (where it doesn't block your view) or better yet, in the backseat or at home.

We encourage you to share this information with friends and family, especially those who might be tempted by the latest viral trends. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and certainly better to keep that hard-earned money for actual holiday festivities rather than fines.

You can watch one video below:


Have you seen any of these Jellycat cherries on the road? Or have you come across any other decorations that could be a potential hazard? Let us know in the comments below, and let's keep each other informed and safe on the roads this holiday season.