By law, are you required to have your mirror out ( versus folded back )
 

So I just bought some large convex forklift mirrors after seeing how well they work at my job.
I'm going to mount them on the inside A pillar.
They work great, and my view is even better than the stock outside mirror.
I'm wondering if I am required to have my ( outside ) mirror out, or if the mirror just has to be there.

Texas Transportation Code 547.602 – Mirrors Required
Current as of: 2022 | Check for updates | Other versions
A motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle used to tow another vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.

That isn't very clear at all. It almost makes it sound like all you need is your ( stock ) inside rear view mirror.

I work with a former police officer and have asked him questions about stuff like this ( mainly the legalities of a boattail )
He isn't very helpful though, and says it's really up to the cop if he wants to pull you over for whatever reason.
He told me to call an inspection station ( they all vary in their reply on questions )

So, I can just hear the jokes people will say though after seeing these huge mirrors mounted inside my door " He must really be vain. He probably has those mirrors so that he can look at himself as he drives .":rolleyes:

The saying to your dilemma reminds me of:
"You can beat the rap, but not the ride"
comes to mind.
I once had a hearing regarding a no taillights ticket on a trailer.
Under cross-examination LEO changed his testimony that they were not bright enough. I asked how bright did they need to be? He responded he did not know. Later another LEO unrelated to the case, after checking ordinances voiced, they must be visible from a thousand feet. I asked the charging officer did he move a thousand feet away to check visibility, he responded no. I brought the actual taillight into the well lit courtroom, turned it on with a battery and pointed it in the direction of the judge 20'? feet away, bailiff wanted to arrest me for "assault" on the judge. LOL
When I asked the charging LEO how recently he had had his eyes examined, the Judge, suspended the hearing and told everyone to sit down and cool down. Judge at the end, dismissed the charges.
Good Luck.

What kind of a ticket am I looking at, and what all is involved after you get a ticket ?
I'm assuming a fine, but also you have to appear in court in the town that you were stopped in, even if it is a thousand miles away ?

Doesn't matter what the law is. It's a reason for the police to mess with you.

So what is the worst case scenario ? ( besides getting shot )
A big ticket and that you have to appear in court ?
What happens then ? I guess they charge you a court fee ?
And then maybe a ' convenience' fee for sending you the first fee, plus another fee for that fee ?

Likely every state and every cop will be different, unfortunately.
In Florida it would be a non-moving violation, IE no points, fine, court costs if you fight it, and proof of "repair", but the conviction does go on your driving record, and seen potentially by every cop as they run your licenses at every future stop or by a judge at any future hearing, computers and all. The legal system has little patience I have seen with repeat offenders.

'looking at'
 

You might contemplate what you'll tell a judge, after changing lanes 'into' a vehicle you didn't see, knocking them out of control, crashing, and facing off against a personal injury attorney, hired to sue you into the next dimension.

Find out the minimum state law and abide by it.
I see plenty of vehicles with 1 mirror rolling around.
If you have mirrors and they're folded in, a cop is liable to think that you went off roading with an 18 pack and came back without the 18 pack.

I thought newer cars have a little lever on the inside of the door that lets you aim the mirror.

I recall using one to reflect a lifted trucks high beams back at them.

"located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle."

To me that means adjusted to see behind you