From bold “NO FEAR” decals in the 1990s to today’s stick-figure families, car window stickers have always been more than just decoration. They’re a way for drivers to express who they are — their passions, their humour, and sometimes even their quirks.
At Redspot Car Rentals, we spend our days with cars of every shape and size, and while our rental fleet is kept clean and sticker-free, we can’t help but notice the stories private drivers tell through the stickers on their back windows. Whether you love them, roll your eyes at them, or secretly want one yourself, these decals are a fascinating part of modern car culture.
Here’s a look at how car stickers have evolved, what they reveal about their owners, and why keeping rental cars “neutral” helps our customers hit the road with confidence.
The “NO FEAR” Era
In the 1990s and early 2000s, “NO FEAR” stickers were everywhere. They screamed confidence, daring, and rebellion — plastered across utes, hatchbacks, and even family sedans.
These decals weren’t subtle. They were popular with adrenaline junkies, athletes, and anyone who wanted to send a message: “I’m bold, I take risks, and I don’t care what you think.”
While the trend has mostly faded, those who remember it still associate “NO FEAR” with a distinct era of car culture: loud, proud, and a little in-your-face.
The Frangipani Phase
As “NO FEAR” faded, frangipani stickers bloomed. Suddenly, cars around beach suburbs and coastal towns were covered in tropical flower decals.
These weren’t about rebellion — they were about lifestyle. Frangipanis said: I’m laid-back, I love the beach, and I’d rather be surfing.
For many, these stickers symbolised an escape from the rat race, and they were especially popular in Queensland, New South Wales, and other coastal regions.
The Stick Family Phenomenon
Fast forward to today, and you’ll likely see a different trend altogether: stick-figure families.
From traditional mum-dad-kids-dog designs to quirky superhero or zombie apocalypse versions, these decals reflect not just who’s in the car, but how the family wants to be seen. They’ve become so widespread that they’ve sparked both love and mockery.
Some of the most creative examples we’ve spotted:
- Superhero Family: One car featured a family dressed as superheroes, complete with capes and masks. Each stick figure had their own superhero name, making for an entertaining and imaginative display.
- Zombie apocalypse families – Stick figures armed with crossbows and backpacks, ready for survival.
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Travel lovers – Each family member holding suitcases, maps, or cameras (including the dog in sunglasses and a backpack!).
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Hobby highlights – Dad fishing, Mum gardening, kids playing sports, dog chasing a ball.
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Pet-heavy families – Stickers featuring not just cats and dogs, but birds, lizards, and even turtles.
Some see these decals as cute and personal, while others find them too cutesy or oversharing. Either way, they’re now a defining feature of Australian roads.
Love Them or Hate Them, Stickers Say Something
Car stickers aren’t just random decorations. They’re signals about identity:
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Adventure seekers → NO FEAR decals.
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Beach lovers → Frangipanis.
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Proud parents → Stick families.
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Humourists → Quirky, tongue-in-cheek designs.
They also highlight the difference between personal cars and rental cars. Where private drivers personalise their vehicles, rental customers usually want the opposite: a clean, neutral, professional vehicle that doesn’t carry someone else’s statement.
Why You Won’t See Stickers on Redspot Cars
At Redspot, our rental fleet is kept spotless — literally. No “stick families,” no frangipanis, no faded decals from the ’90s. Here’s why:
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Professionalism: Business travellers want to arrive at meetings in cars that reflect well on them, not with cartoon zombies on the back window.
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Neutrality: Families and couples want a blank canvas for their trip, not someone else’s idea of fun.
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Resale value: Cars are regularly refreshed and renewed, so they stay modern and clean.
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Customer focus: We want you to make your own memories on the road — not be stuck with reminders of the last renter’s personality.
That said, if you’re nostalgic for stickers, you can always pack your own temporary window cling for the holiday. Just be sure to remove it before returning the car!
Car Stickers and Road Trip Culture
While you won’t find stickers on a Redspot rental, you will find them everywhere on the road — especially during holidays. And that’s part of the fun of road trips: noticing the little quirks and personalities on the cars you pass.
For many travellers, spotting creative or over-the-top car decals becomes part of the road trip entertainment. Kids in the back seat love pointing out superhero stick families, while adults can’t help but laugh at some of the more outrageous designs.
It’s a reminder that road trips are about more than just getting from A to B. They’re about the stories we tell — and the stickers we slap on our back windows are one of those stories.
The Rental Car Advantage: Your Blank Canvas
One of the best parts of hiring a car is the fresh start it gives you. No stickers. No old bumper slogans. No worn-out vibes from a car that’s lived too many lives. Just a modern, well-maintained vehicle ready for your adventure.
That blank canvas means you can:
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Take business clients for a professional ride.
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Capture holiday photos without distracting decals.
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Drive with confidence knowing the car reflects you, not its previous owner.
Final Thoughts: Stickers Tell Stories, Rentals Make Memories
Car window stickers have evolved through the decades, from “NO FEAR” bravado to frangipani beach vibes to today’s stick-figure families. They reflect the personalities of their drivers and the cultural trends of their times.
At Redspot Car Rentals, we enjoy spotting them as part of Australia’s road trip culture — but we keep our cars sticker-free, so you can focus on your own story. Whether you’re hiring for business, leisure, or family travel, our vehicles are modern, clean, and ready for the journey.
👉 Book your next rental car with Redspot and enjoy the freedom of a fresh start — no stickers required.