diff --git a/code/datums/outfits/outfit.dm b/code/datums/outfits/outfit.dm
index e6498926f52..bb69a511789 100644
--- a/code/datums/outfits/outfit.dm
+++ b/code/datums/outfits/outfit.dm
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ var/list/outfits_decls_by_type_
 	var/l_hand = null
 	// In the list(path=count,otherpath=count) format
 	var/list/uniform_accessories = list() // webbing, armbands etc - fits in slot_tie
-	var/list/backpack_contents = list() 
+	var/list/backpack_contents = list()
 
 	var/id_type
 	var/id_desc
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items.dm b/code/game/objects/items.dm
index 3392d3cf6bc..d4df7c13a11 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items.dm
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ var/list/global/slot_flags_enumeration = list(
 //If you are making custom procs but would like to retain partial or complete functionality of this one, include a 'return ..()' to where you want this to happen.
 //Set disable_warning to 1 if you wish it to not give you outputs.
 //Should probably move the bulk of this into mob code some time, as most of it is related to the definition of slots and not item-specific
-/obj/item/proc/mob_can_equip(M as mob, slot, disable_warning = FALSE)
+/obj/item/proc/mob_can_equip(M as mob, slot, disable_warning = FALSE, var/ignore_obstruction = FALSE)
 	if(!slot) return 0
 	if(!M) return 0
 
@@ -417,7 +417,7 @@ var/list/global/slot_flags_enumeration = list(
 
 	//Next check if the slot is accessible.
 	var/mob/_user = disable_warning? null : H
-	if(!H.slot_is_accessible(slot, src, _user))
+	if(!H.slot_is_accessible(slot, src, _user) && !ignore_obstruction)
 		return 0
 
 	//Lastly, check special rules for the desired slot.
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/tape.dm b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/tape.dm
index 5db107b130d..c75c154e7df 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/tape.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/tape.dm
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 	for (var/obj/item/weapon/grab/G in H.grabbed_by)
 		if (G.loc == user && G.state >= GRAB_AGGRESSIVE)
 			return TRUE
-			
+
 	return FALSE
 
 /obj/item/weapon/tape_roll/attack(var/mob/living/carbon/human/H, var/mob/user)
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
 					return
 
 				user.visible_message("<span class='danger'>\The [user] has taped up \the [H]'s eyes!</span>")
-				H.equip_to_slot_or_del(new /obj/item/clothing/glasses/sunglasses/blindfold/tape(H), slot_glasses)
+				H.equip_to_slot_or_del(new /obj/item/clothing/glasses/sunglasses/blindfold/tape(H), slot_glasses, ignore_obstructions = FALSE)
 				H.update_inv_glasses()
 				playsound(src, 'sound/effects/tape.ogg',25)
 
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@
 
 				user.visible_message("<span class='danger'>\The [user] has taped up \the [H]'s mouth!</span>")
 
-				H.equip_to_slot_or_del(new /obj/item/clothing/mask/muzzle/tape(H), slot_wear_mask)
+				H.equip_to_slot_or_del(new /obj/item/clothing/mask/muzzle/tape(H), slot_wear_mask, ignore_obstructions = FALSE)
 				H.update_inv_wear_mask()
 				playsound(src, 'sound/effects/tape.ogg',25)
 
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/inventory.dm b/code/modules/mob/inventory.dm
index 761ea371548..40d8faffda4 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/inventory.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/inventory.dm
@@ -47,10 +47,10 @@ var/list/slot_equipment_priority = list( \
 //set del_on_fail to have it delete W if it fails to equip
 //set disable_warning to disable the 'you are unable to equip that' warning.
 //unset redraw_mob to prevent the mob from being redrawn at the end.
-/mob/proc/equip_to_slot_if_possible(obj/item/W as obj, slot, del_on_fail = 0, disable_warning = 0, redraw_mob = 1)
+/mob/proc/equip_to_slot_if_possible(obj/item/W as obj, slot, del_on_fail = 0, disable_warning = 0, redraw_mob = 1, ignore_obstructions = 1)
 	if(!W)
 		return 0
-	if(!W.mob_can_equip(src, slot, disable_warning))
+	if(!W.mob_can_equip(src, slot, disable_warning, ignore_obstructions))
 		if(del_on_fail)
 			qdel(W)