What does country laws state about blind spot mirrors? Are they legal in the UK? Are they legal in EU law? Are they legal in Australian law? Are they illegal? Why are they illegal? If they are a supportive tool what makes them illegal?
If you are struggling to find out the answer to the above questions, this post is for you. Or if you are planning to buy one, read your country law about it first. Otherwise, you will be heavily fined.
Are blind spot mirrors legal? They are both legal and illegal in different countries. In many states of the US, they are illegal. But for the EU and UK, they are legal and part of road safety campaigns.
The convex nature of frameless blind spot mirrors is the main cause of making it illegal in many countries. Because it shows the object slightly closer and smaller than the reality. This way the risk of collision increases when changing roads.
Are Blind Spot Mirrors Illegal
What does traffic laws say about blind spot mirrors? Are they legal or not? The laws about using blind spot mirrors are different for different countries. They are illegal in many countries as they show objects a bit closer and smaller than they appear in reality.
Many countries still ask the drivers to turn heads around to check the cars in the blind spot. Using them is illegal in the US(California). Due to the convex nature of these blind spot mirrors, the object appears a bit closer to the car. This can increase the risk of collision. SO, drivers are asked to turn around their heads when they discover what is hidden in the blind spot when changing lanes and overtaking.
Are Blind Spot Mirrors Legal In UK
In Uk road accidents increased 48% from 2009 to 2011. Most of these accidents were caused by blind spot effects. To minimize these, various road safety campaigns are running. Using technology and innovations like blindspot mirrors are legal in the UK.
MInster Law supported the Brake road safety Week campaign in the UK. In this campaign, various ways of increasing safety on the road were introduced. USing blind spots is one such way that improves safety. This BSM is available in various shapes and sizes at the cheapest rates. If you don’t have a blind spot mirror it is advised to look around to note any obstruction in your way.
Are Blind Spot Mirrors Legal In the US
Let’s check out whether blind spot mirrors are legal in the US or not? According to the law (49 CFR 571.111 — Standard №111) of Rear visibility using blind spots mirrors are illegal in most of the US and especially California. This law states the mirror on the driver’s side is enough to see blind spots. Using any additional mirror on the side mirror is illegal.
The possible reason for this restriction might be that in the US vehicles are frequently passed on either side. So, the driver should be alert and move his head to get a proper view of the back. He or She must not rely on additional tools to enhance visibility. This way they will not be able to see traffic on the other side of the car.
Are Blind Spot Mirrors Legal In the EU
What does EU law state about using Blind spot mirrors? In EU law, it is compulsory to use blind spot mirrors for lorries since 2007. For old vehicles, drivers were requested to fit them until 2009. The reason is that they have helped a lot to minimize accident rates in the EU.
Unlike the US, in the EU the vehicles are frequently passed on the left side. A study was carried out in 2019 by the Commission to note down the effects of using blind spot mirrors on old lorries. The report of this study was presented in European Parliament. If you are interested to read this report click the Study on the implementation of retrofitting directive: blind-spot mirrors (2012)
Are blind spot Mirrors Legal In Australia
According to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 14/01 – Rear Vision Mirrors) 2006
“14.4.1. There shall be affixed to every vehicle a mirror or mirrors so designed and fitted and of such dimensions as to be capable of reflecting the driver as far as practicable a clear view of the road to the rear of the driver and of any following or overtaking vehicle.
14.4.2. At least one such mirror shall be affixed to each side of the vehicle and may project 150 mm beyond the point of ‘Overall Width’ of the vehicle or the ‘Overall Width’ of any trailer it may be drawn”
Are Blind Spot Mirrors Worth It
Is investing in a blind spot mirror worth it? YES, it is worth it as nothing can cost your safety. They reduce the risk of collision when changing lanes, parking and turning junctions. For old model cars, it might be worthless but for costly vehicles, it’s risky to go without them.
After installing it you need not move your head to see the surrounding of your car. This mirror attaches to the side mirror to broader its angle of view. NOw you can see any object coming behind you from different angles. Not only does it reduce accidents, but it also boosts the performance of your side view mirror.
Related Questions
Are Blind Spot Mirrors Legal in Germany?
According to EU law, blind spot mirrors are legal in Germany. It’s mandatory for both old and new lorries. IT has reduced accident rates considerably in Europe. That’s why it is a helpful tool.
Are Blind Spot Mirrors Legal in India?
There is no hard and fast rule about installing blind spot mirrors in developing countries like India and Pakistan. Using it or not might be your personal decision. However, if one uses it, it makes it over aware in congested roads.
Conclusion
Now you are fully aware that blind spots are legal or illegal. They are illegal in countries where traffic passes on both sides left or right They are legal in countries where traffic passes from one side as the UK.
For congested roads, the driver should be more cautious. Relying only on blind spot mirrors is not enough. One has to be aware of either side of the road. It depends on what type of roads are there in your country too. If there are one-way roads then blind spot mirrors work amazingly well. For two-way roads with all types of traffic, they are rather riskier.
