A trend called “Jeep Ducking” is gaining momentum across the country and attracting people’s attention.
The essence of this tradition is that Jeep owners leave rubber ducklings on other Jeeps as a symbol of friendly communication.
Recently, a police officer from Florida clarified the legal aspects associated with this phenomenon.
If you’ve ever seen a rubber duck on the dashboard of a Jeep and wondered what it means, today you will find out the answer. It is not some mysterious ritual to summon the gods of off-roading, but simply a funny, innocent tradition that sparks curiosity and even legal questions. A law enforcement representative shared advice for participants of this movement.
In different places, this tradition is called differently: “Jeep Ducking”, “Duck Duck Jeep”, “Jeep Jeep Duck”, etc. But the essence is always the same: Jeep owners carry rubber ducklings of various shapes and sizes with them.
When they see a Jeep they like, they leave a duckling on it as a sign of approval. Upon returning to their car, the owner feels a connection with a fellow Jeep enthusiast. This is further proof of the friendly atmosphere among fans of this brand.
As sources report, the tradition originated in 2020 in Canada. It was founded by Allison Parliament, who, after a stressful situation, decided to cheer up a stranger by leaving a duck on their Jeep. She published the story online, and it eventually turned into a global phenomenon thanks to social media and Jeep communities.
Sometimes you can see a Jeep with an entire collection of ducklings on the dashboard. Is this legal? According to Florida police officer Steve Montiero, technically yes, but drivers should ensure the ducklings do not obstruct the view. “Any item that limits visibility can pose a danger,” he notes.
Unlike cases of vandalism, where people damage cars because of their owners’ political beliefs, leaving a duckling on a Jeep is completely legal as long as no damage is done to the vehicle or the owner’s rights are not violated.
Now you know the history of Jeep Ducking, the legal nuances, and can confidently participate in this tradition. The main thing is not to overdo it with the number of ducklings and not to disturb the driver. If you follow these simple rules, it will be just a fun and innocent amusement.