Cameras for Mirrors

[trikkonceptz]

It has been discussed before that in some states if not most it is illegal to replace your mirrors for cameras, despite some obvious benefits.

Now in the case of my 4-runner, mirror deletes would save me more than 3mpg as I have seen with my scangauge. I get a 2mpg boost when I simply fold them in.

That got me thinking. These things are huge on the 4-runner, why not install cameras on the edge of the mirror so they work when folded in?

Yeah its a gray area in the law, but I would technically not be breaking the law because if the cop wants to be a prick I simply fold them out until he leaves then fold them right back in and continue using my cameras. If I wanted to get really fancy I can replace the glass with 2 way mirrored plexi and mount the screens inside the mirror itself which would be easy to see when they were folded in.

Infact with a little fiberglass work I could even improve the profile of the mirror when folded without disturbing its folded out use.

What do you guys think? I love flirting with trouble.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

I would add an inside mirror, to meet the letter of the law.

[Tango Charlie]

Sounds like a plan to me.

I love egging people on to flirt with trouble...

[metromizer]

Why not greatly reduce your side view mirror's size AND add cameras at the same time? maybe someone here knows how to search the Florida motor vehicle code book on-line? Assuming for a moment your state doesn't required a minimum number of square inches for an outside side view mirror...

I could imagine starting with a mirror pod 1/4 the regular size, maybe shaped from a block of foam and made from fiberglass, or scanvenged from a sport bike.

Housed inside would be both a tiny mirror element of say 6cm x 4cm, and a camera beside it. If you wanted to get cute, core a hole in the mirror glass and nest the camera in the glass mirror. You'd technically have a traditional mirror (anyone here old enough to remember dental mirrors on Harley choppers in the 70's?) The mirror would hopefully pass muster with your local law enforcement, and you'd have a camera for a useful 'real' view of things.