Are car side mirrors required?

 

Car side mirrors are an essential part of driving safely and most importantly these mirrors are legally required in almost all states however, there are some variations in laws for different states which are explained further in this article.

Another common question related to mirrors is, do we need both side mirrors. The answer is yes as far as the safety measures are concerned.

The legal requirements for having both side mirrors are varied state to state, in some states, they required only left-side mirrors, and in some cases at least two mirrors are required including a rearview mirror.

When you are cruising on the road the most important thing to be considered while driving is only the safety of yourself and others. The side view mirrors are working as a lifesaving tool while you are driving especially on highways and freeways.

So, if you are preparing for an interstate road trip you must have to learn all the basic driving requirements in those states including the mirror requirements to avoid tickets and have a hassle-free journey.

Please read the article till the end to learn the legal requirements of side mirrors in various states to avoid traffic tickets.

Only the presence of side mirrors is not enough, we also need to check the condition of the side mirrors frequently as it has been observed that due to the fogginess and wear tear of the side mirror it becomes ineffective, and if an officer notices that the condition of your mirror is getting deteriorated then this could also lead you to get a traffic fine.

Why are the side mirrors of my car getting foggy?

There are various reasons why your car mirrors get foggy but mainly it happens due to humid weather conditions. The wear and tear on the mirror surface starts quickly if you are living in a region where there is too much moisture in the air due to this the existing dirt and particles accumulated on the mirror surface are coupled with moisture and thus form a foggy view.

It is often noted that the side mirrors are getting foggy as they get older, due to aging the mirror lamination has been disturbed after bearing so many car washes and various hot, cold, and wet weathers as a result it has turned into a foggy view. If your car’s side mirror is look like foggy don’t worry this is normal wear and tear.

You will always have the option to replace your old side mirrors with new ones. For details about replacing mirrors and their average cost please read our blog How much to fix a side mirror and how much do side-mirrors cost? 

How to get rid of foggy mirrors?

While cleaning our cars we usually don’t put much attention to the cleaning of side mirror surface, and  it could end up to the point where the mirror starts reflecting a foggy view.

There are various mirror cleaning sprays available on the market, but before buying any sprays or liquids try to keep the mirror clean and for that purpose use only a microfiber cloth.

There are some other home-based remedies to solve the problem of foggy view like the application of daily use toothpaste which contain fluoride or either use some sort of shampoos, but that works for a shorter time, and it is not a reliable solution.

The most reliable solution for the foggy mirror is the installation of a heated mirror, in some cars, these mirrors are installed by default but in most cars, these heated mirrors are not part of a stock vehicle. There are various after-market products available for this type of mirror which you can select according to your budget.

But always remember the key to a clear view is the proper cleaning of mirrors every time.

Are you adjusting  your car side view mirror correctly?

The proper usage of side view mirrors is the key to safe driving, but most drivers are still confused about how to adjust the side mirrors perfectly to utilize the best view of them to cover all the possible blind spots.

Here we discuss how to adjust the side mirrors more effectively.

  • Step1: The first step is to sit and relax on your driving seat, now adjust your seat position so  that you can easily access all the controls like gear and pedals and other dashboard controls.

 

  • Step2: Now adjust your rear-view mirror in a manner that you can easily see the objects coming in from your back windshield without moving your head position.

 

  • Step3: Now go through the controls on your dash panel and locate the side mirrors adjustment controls. You will find a push button written L and R and right beneath this button you will find a square shape joystick from which you can adjust side mirrors. The L & R button denotes to left and right side, the side which is pushed will activate the adjustment for that side mirror.

 

  • Step4: Start adjusting your driving side mirror by using the joystick-like button to the extent that you can see the road up to 200 meters and at the same time your side mirror shows a little part of your door handle.

 

  • Step5: now adjust your right-side mirror to the extent that you have a clear view of the road behind you and the objects on your right side are also clearly visible, but this time no body part of your car needs to appear on the mirror view.

 

  • Step6: After making all necessary adjustments, now sit straight and have a final look at each mirror and re-adjust if you still want to make a few corrections.

Now you are ready for a smooth and safe drive, although these side mirrors are not always compulsory but it will best aid you to drive your vehicle safely without any trouble.

What are the rules pertaining to side mirrors in different states?

*Here we summarize some basic rules related to mirror requirements in different US states.

  • Alabama

At least one mirror, either the left side or rear view.

  • Alaska

A left Side mirror is required, but if the Rearview is obstructed, both side-view mirrors are required.

  • Arizona

Only the center rear view is required but if the Rearview is obstructed, both side view mirrors are required.

  • Arkansas

Only the center rear view is required but if the Rearview is obstructed, both side view mirrors are required.

  • California

Only the Left side, if registered in California only, else not required if the Rearview is obstructed, only the left view mirror required

  • Colorado

Side Mirrors are only required if the vehicle doesn’t have a rear window view.

  • Connecticut

Side Mirrors are not required if the center rear-view mirror is functional. If the Rearview is obstructed, only the left-view mirror is required.

  • Delaware

At least one mirror is required, sides are not mentioned.

  • District of Columbia

At least one mirror is required in case of loading vehicle.

  • Florida

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet the rear.

  • Georgia

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet the rear.

  • Hawaii

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Idaho

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Illinois

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Indiana

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Iowa

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Kansas

The left-side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either the center or right side.

  • Kentucky

The left side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either center or right side.

  • Louisiana

The left side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either center or right side, if the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, then the right side view mirror is required.

  • Maine

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required.

  • Maryland

The left side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either center or right side, If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, then the right side view mirror is required

  • Massachusetts

Both Left and the center rear view are a must to keep the left side in constant check.

  • Michigan

Only a left side mirror is required unless it is a vintage vehicle that does not have factory installed side mirror.

  • Minnesota

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Mississippi

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Missouri

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Montana

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Nebraska

Both sides mirrors are required If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed.

  • Nevada

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required, which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • New Hampshire

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required.

  • New Jersey

The left side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either center or right side, if the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, then the right side view mirror is required.

  • New Mexico

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required.

  • New York

Only the Left side, if registered in New York unless the vehicle is of a 1967 or older model else not required until the rear view from the center is not obstructed.

  • North Carolina

Side mirrors are not required If the vehicle is of the year 1965 or older model, afterward left and center mirrors are required.

  • North Dakota

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required, which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Ohio

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required.

  • Oklahoma

The left side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either center or right side, if the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, then the right-side view mirror is required.

  • Oregon

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required, which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Pennsylvania

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Rhode Island

The left side and center mirror is a must. which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • South Carolina

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required.

  • South Dakota

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required.

  • Tennessee

No clear instruction for cars, however for trucks it was instructed to arrange a proper rear view for drivers.

  • Texas

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then the side view mirror required applicable mirrors must have a rear view of at least 200 feet.

  • Utah

The left side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either center or right side.

  • Vermont

Only required when a truck is towing a trailer, for cars, there are no clear instructions.

  • Virginia

at least one mirror is required If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required.

  • Washington

The left side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either center or right side, if the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, then the right-side view mirror is required.

  • West Virginia

No mirrors are required unless the rear view is obstructed due to any reason.

  • Wisconsin

If the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, only then side view mirror required, which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Wyoming

The left side mirror is a must along with one extra mirror either center or right side, if the rear view from the center mirror is obstructed, then the right-side view mirror is required.

  • American Samoa

At least one mirror is a must which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Guam

At least one mirror is a must which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Northern Mariana Islands

At least one mirror is a must which must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Puerto Rico

At least one mirror is a must except for a bus, Truck, or Trailer truck which required mirrors on both sides, applicable mirrors must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

  • Virgin Islands

At least one mirror is a must, applicable mirrors must have a rear view of at least 200 feet to the rear.

 

*Disclaimer: The above rules are for readers’ basic knowledge and re produced here as per our interpretation of law which may have some variations due to interpretation and due to any change in rules from time to time, you are hereby advised that please go through the relevant laws whenever you are going to visit any of the above states.

 

Conclusion

 After reading the above article you must have one thing clear in your mind the side mirrors requirements exist in every state in some way or another. The basic goal is the safety of yourself and others every time and for that, the side mirrors are the key to smooth driving which helps in minimizing errors, especially during lane changing while driving on the highway or exiting from and entering the highway.

Therefore, always drive safely and ensure the maximum allowed utilization  of side mirrors every time you drive.