The “Duck” Stops Here: Park Ridge Police Announce Strict Enforcement of New Dashboard Safety Law
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
PARK RIDGE, NJ — If you’re a Jeep enthusiast with a collection of colorful rubber companions on your dash, it’s time to clear the deck. Effective April 1, 2026, the Park Ridge Police Department has officially begun enforcement of New Jersey’s newly enacted Dashboard Duck Safety Act.
The law, aimed at reducing driver distraction and mechanical interference, prohibits the display of rubber ducks or similar waterfowl figurines on vehicle dashboards. For some, it’s a lifestyle change; for the state, it’s a critical safety measure.
Why the Ban? Data Suggests “Ducks” Are a Driving Hazard
While “ducking” has become a beloved tradition among Jeep owners, safety experts argue that the trend has reached a dangerous tipping point.
“The data is alarming,” says Dr. Marcus Wellington, Chief Vehicle Safety Officer at the Institute for Automotive Distractions. “These ducks can shift during sudden stops, creating a domino effect that pulls a driver’s eyes off the road. We’ve even documented an incident where a stray duck became wedged between the gas and brake pedals—a literal recipe for disaster.”
Wellington also added a touch of candor, noting that the law may “save some drivers from the social embarrassment of an over-cluttered dashboard.”
The Cost of Non-Compliance: Fines and Mandatory Courses
Park Ridge officers are not just issuing warnings. Drivers found in violation of the Dashboard Duck Safety Act face immediate penalties designed to discourage the practice:
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Fines: Up to $50 per duck found on the dashboard.
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Education: Mandatory completion of a certified Vehicle Safety Course.
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Immediate Removal: Officers will require the removal of all figurines during the traffic stop.
“We want to remind all drivers, especially our local Jeep enthusiasts, that safety comes first,” says Park Ridge Police Chief Joseph Rampolla. “Please remove any dashboard ducks immediately to avoid unnecessary fines.”
How to Stay “Duck” Compliant
You don’t have to get rid of your collection entirely, but you do have to move it. Safety officials suggest keeping your “ducks” in the following safe zones:
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The Glove Box: Secure and out of sight while driving.
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Home Display: Moving the collection to a shelf or garage.
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The Center Console: Provided they are contained in a closed compartment.
Need More Information?
If you have questions regarding the specific wording of the new law or need to report a safety hazard, the Park Ridge Police Department has established a dedicated inquiry line.
Safety Line: 888-NO-DUCKS
Official Notice Date: April 1, 2026
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- Note to Readers: Given the date of this announcement (April 1st), drivers are encouraged to check the calendar before clearing their dashboards!
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Tags: #ParkRidgeNJ #JeepLife #DuckingJeeps #TrafficSafety #NJLaws #RubberDucks #PoliceNews #AprilFools
Is this an April fools joke?
It must be!!!!
Some of these people are ridiculous how much shit they got on their dashboard, especially some of these contractors driving vans around with all their paperwork and shit all over the dash and windshield come on clean up your van. What a distraction it looks so dirty.
What I’d like to know is when are cops going to get around to stopping these obnoxious dirt bags who drive around with abusive cherry bomb mufflers, and when are lawmakers going to get off their asses and stiffen fines, and go after the shops that are installing these things?
How about enforcing the REAL hazards……
Multiple cellphones atttached to windshield actually blocking the view
Dogs on the drivers lap, blocking the view and interfering with driving
IT’S APRIL FOOLS YOU FUCKING MORONS
go duck yourself
Wow, pleasant. We need more like you here.
Some of your contractors just clean your dashboard looks like shit, you come to my house put a bunch of shit on the windshield. It shows that you’re very sloppy and I don’t even want you in my ass. See ya. Take some pride in your vehicle.
“I don’t even want you in my ass”. Seriously? You typed this? LOL