Is It Allowed to Leave Toy Ducks on Jeeps? A Police Officer Explains

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 ducks on other Jeeps as a symbol of friendly communication.

Recently, a police officer from Florida explained 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’s not some mysterious ritual to summon the gods of off-roading, but simply a fun, innocent tradition that sparks interest 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”, and so on. But the essence is always the same: Jeep owners carry rubber ducks of various shapes and sizes with them.

When they see a Jeep they like, they leave a duck on it as a sign of approval. Upon returning to their vehicle, 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. Its founder was Allison Parliament, who, after a stressful situation, decided to cheer up a stranger by leaving a duck on their Jeep. She posted the story online, and it subsequently turned into a global phenomenon thanks to social media and Jeep communities.

Sometimes you can see a Jeep with a whole collection of ducks on the dashboard. Is this legal? According to Florida police officer Steve Montiero, technically yes, but drivers should ensure the ducks do not block their view. “Any object that restricts visibility can pose a danger,” he notes.

Unlike cases of vandalism, where people damage cars due to the political beliefs of their owners, leaving a duck on a Jeep is absolutely legal as long as it does not damage the vehicle or violate the owner’s rights.

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 ducks and not to obstruct the driver. If you follow these simple rules, it will be just a fun and innocent pastime.

Photo: Stephen Rivers for Carscoops

Leave a Reply