Duck off? Police department dashboard duck enforcement post catches jeep owners off guard

Duck Off? Police Department Dashboard Duck Enforcement Post Catches Jeep Owners Off Guard

April 2, 2026
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Satirical police release warns Jeep owners over rubber ducks in mock safety law

Park Ridge, NJ – A widely shared announcement claiming New Jersey drivers could be fined for displaying rubber ducks on their dashboards has been revealed as an April Fools’ Day joke, issued by the Park Ridge Police Department.

The mock press release, dated April 1, announced the so-called “Dashboard Duck Safety Act,” which falsely claimed to ban rubber duck decorations in vehicles due to safety concerns. The notice stated violators could face fines of up to $50 per duck and mandatory safety courses.

“We’ve seen a troubling trend of Jeep owners placing rubber ducks on their dashboards, and the data is alarming,” the release read, attributing the statement to a fictitious safety official. The statement continued with exaggerated claims about ducks causing dangerous distractions inside vehicles.

Not everyone remembered it was April Fool’s Day and some Jeep owners took issue with the new crackdown.

“Park Ridge Police will just be the start … have I told y’all how much I hate the Democrats???” one person said on X.

“A Dashboard Duck Safety Law was not on my bingo card but it’s 2026 in Jersey and here we are,” another replied.

Satirical warning spreads online

Key Points

  • Park Ridge Police issued fake “dashboard duck” law as an April Fools’ joke
  • Release claimed fines and safety risks tied to rubber ducks in vehicles
  • No such law exists in New Jersey; announcement was purely satirical

The release also included a quote attributed to Police Chief Joseph Rampolla urging drivers to remove the dashboard items immediately, along with a humorous contact number listed as “888-NO-DUCKS.”

No such law has been enacted in New Jersey, and authorities have not issued any real enforcement guidance regarding dashboard decorations.

Annual prank draws attention

April Fools’ Day has become a common occasion for police departments and public agencies to share lighthearted or satirical messages on social media, often designed to engage the community while raising awareness in a humorous way.

Officials did not issue any enforcement actions related to the announcement, which was intended solely as a joke.

Well played.

Shore News Network

Shore News Network

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

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