Side mirror regulations by state in US (please contribute)

[UfoTofU]

I linked to the Department of Motor Vihicles for states that don't seem to have regulations

[UfoTofU]

Will somebody add Texas and Oklahoma?

[Hugh Jim Bissel]

Texas added, though couldn't find anything other than code for vehicle inspection. I guess if it passes inspection then you're good to go? (& looks like only an inside mirror is good enough)

Texas

Added: 5-10-09 State Vehicle Inspection Procedures

Chapter 4 - Inspection Procedures
04.20.00 Details Of Inspection

20.19 Mirror - Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such motor vehicle.

1. Inspection Procedure
- A. Inspect only one mirror.
-- 1. Exterior Rearview Mirror: From the driver’s position, visually inspect exterior mirror for a clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear. Look for correct location and stable mounting.
-- 2. Interior Rearview Mirror: From the driver’s position, visually inspect interior mirror for proper mounting, location, cracks, sharp edges, and ease of adjustment.

2. Inspect for and reject if:
- A. Mirror does not provide the driver with a clear view to the rear of 200 feet.
- B. Vehicle is not equipped with at least one mirror.
- C. Mirror offers unsafe interference with driver’s forward vision.
- D. Reflective surface of mirror is cracked, broken, peeled, tarnished, or has sharp edges.
- E. Mirror is not mounted securely to prevent swing or excessive vibration unless the vehicle is equipped with another mirror which meets requirements.

NOTE: An inside mirror would meet all the above requirements. If the vehicle is equipped with more than one mirror, only one, either inside or outside, needs to meet all requirements.

[UfoTofU]

Thank you, I'll work on Oklahoma when its site is back up

[Unforgiven]

I know that back in 1992 I got a ticket for lack of passenger side mirror on my 90 Ply Acclaim. Law pointed out to me included some year range for vehicles prior to XX year were exempt from having to have both mirrors, but after that, both mirrors are required. Add the fact that all passenger vehicles sold in the US today come with two outside mirrors (Ford used to have a passenger mirror delete option but that is no longer available per Ford custom sales rep I spoke to in town) and it is pretty much a moot point to circumvent the tiny deletion of a mirror, which is a safety device, in the search for that last .5 mpg increase. (mpg increase guesstimate only) Finally, after talking with my cousin on the state police force, he informed me that passenger mirrors are still required, but he admits that he passed on giving out a ticket for such an offense before.

[Sandy]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

That's strange, let me know if you find the exact RSA on that.

From the New Hampshire Safety Inspection Requirements

CHAPTER Saf-C 3200 OFFICIAL MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
Statutory Authority: RSA 21-P:14, V(a)

Saf-C 3217.04 Outside Rear View Mirrors.

(a) A vehicle shall be rejected if the left hand outside rear view mirror:

(1) Is not in the correct location on the vehicle;

(2) Is not firmly mounted;

(3) Has cracks;

(4) Extends to the left of the vehicle body more than necessary; or

(5) Does not afford a clear view of the road to the rear of the vehicle.

It only mentions the right side mirror is needed if the inside rear view is blocked.

I assume that (1) sets the position by the OEM,
but it doesn't say it has to BE the OEM mirror.

ref: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Rules/saf-c3200.html

[Tango Charlie]

This should be a sticky.

[UfoTofU]

The list has been completed