[dz1087]

Since it's summer and a lot of people will be taking the doors off, I thought I'd start a thread about the legal aspect of running with no mirrors. It seems lots of people think they have to have them, and a lot just want them, but I thought I'd post up specific laws regarding them.

If you have any first-hand knowledge that the below is out-of-date please PM me. I make no guaranty that the below is legally binding, it is simply what is available from the more official, state sponsored websites.

Alabama:

Section 32-5-214
Mirrors.

Every motor vehicle, operated singly or when towing any other 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.
(Acts 1927, No. 347, p. 348; Code 1940, T. 36, §37; Acts 1959, No. 292, p. 860.)

Alaska:

13 AAC 04.220. Mirrors

(a) A motor vehicle must be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle; every motor vehicle except a motor-driven cycle, bicycle, or off-highway vehicle, must be equipped with a mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center, or outside the vehicle on the right side.

(b) The following motor vehicles must be equipped with mirrors on both the left and right sides of the vehicle:

(1) a bus or school bus;

(2) a motor vehicle constructed, loaded or designed to be loaded in a manner which obstructs the driver's view through the rear window; or

(3) a motor vehicle towing a vehicle when the towed vehicle or its load obstructs the driver's view through the rear window.

(c) All mirrors required by this section must be maintained in good condition and located to reflect to the driver a view to the rear of the vehicle.

History: In effect before 7/28/59; am 12/15/61, Register 3; am 8/10/66, Register 22; am 12/31/69, Register 31; am 6/28/79, Register 70

Authority: AS 28.05.011

(http://www.touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/aac/title13/chapter004/section220.htm)

Arizona:

28-956. Mirrors

A motor vehicle that is constructed or loaded in a manner that obstructs the driver's view to the rear of the vehicle from the driver's position shall be equipped with a mirror located in a manner to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle.

Arkansas:

27-37-305. Mirrors.

(a) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a rearview mirror.

(b) Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position shall be equipped with a mirror located so as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet (200¢) to the rear of the vehicle.

History. Acts 1937, No. 300, § 127; Pope's Dig., § 6787; A.S.A. 1947, § 75-729.

California:

26709. (a) Every motor vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction
and every motorcycle subject to registration in this state 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 vehicle.
Every motor vehicle subject to registration in this state, except
a motorcycle, shall be equipped with not less than two such mirrors,
including one affixed to the left-hand side.
(b) The following described types of motor vehicles, of a type
subject to registration, shall be equipped with mirrors on both the
left- and right-hand sides of the vehicle so located as to reflect to
the driver a view of the highway through each mirror for a distance
of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle:
(1) A motor vehicle so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the
driver's view to the rear.
(2) A motor vehicle towing a vehicle and the towed vehicle or load
thereon obstructs the driver's view to the rear.
(3) A bus or trolley coach.
(c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not apply to a
passenger vehicle when the load obstructing the driver's view
consists of passengers.

Colorado:

42-4-226. Mirrors - exterior placements.

(1) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror or mirrors so located and so constructed as to reflect to the driver a free and unobstructed view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

(2) Whenever any motor vehicle is not equipped with a rear window and rear side windows or has a rear window and rear side windows composed of, covered by, or treated with any material or component which, when viewed from the position of the driver, obstructs the rear view of the driver or makes such window or windows nontransparent, or whenever any motor vehicle is towing another vehicle or trailer or carrying any load or cargo or object which obstructs the rear view of the driver, such vehicle shall be equipped with an exterior mirror on each side so located with respect to the position of the driver as to comply with the visual requirement of subsection (1) of this section. This subsection (2) shall not apply to neighborhood electric vehicles.

(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.

Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2261, § 1, effective January 1, 1995. L. 97: (2) amended, p. 393, § 5, effective August 6.

Editor's note: This section was formerly numbered as 42-4-223 and the former section 42-4-226 was relocated to section 42-4-229.

Connecticut:

Sec. 14-99. Mirror. Motor vehicles with commercial registration to allow others to pass. Each motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror attached to and so located and adjusted on such vehicle as to give the operator thereof a clear reflected view of the highway directly to the rear of or on a line parallel to the left side of the body of such motor vehicle. Any person operating a motor vehicle with a commercial registration so constructed or which may be so loaded that the operator is prevented from having a free and unobstructed view of the highway immediately to the rear and at the left side of the same shall, by means of such mirror, make frequent observations of the approach of vehicles from the rear. When operating at below the posted speed limits and when so approached or overtaken, the operator of such motor vehicle shall drive to the extreme right of the traveled way as promptly as safety will permit, giving the vehicle approaching from the rear opportunity to pass. Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.

(1949 Rev., S. 2446; February, 1965, P.A. 448, S. 11; P.A. 75-577, S. 56, 126; P.A. 90-263, S. 64, 74.)

History: 1965 act added the word "left" in the first and second sentences, changed the duty of constant observation to one of frequent observations, removed the words "in safety" from the end of the last sentence and deleted a penalty provision; P.A. 75-577 provided that violation of section is an infraction; P.A. 90-263 substituted "motor vehicle with a commercial registration" for "commercial motor vehicle".

Delaware:

§ 4308. Rearview mirror.

All motor vehicles and motorcycles shall be equipped with a mirror so placed that the driver thereof may readily ascertain the presence of any vehicle traveling in the same direction and overtaking the driver's vehicle. (36 Del. Laws, c. 10, § 125; Code 1935, § 5663; 21 Del. C. 1953, § 4308; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.)

Florida:

Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES

Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

View Entire Chapter

316.294 Mirrors.--Every vehicle, operated singly or when towing any other 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 the motor vehicle. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 207, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 316.273.

Georgia:

GEORGIA CODE
Copyright 2007 by The State of Georgia
All rights reserved.

*** Current through the 2007 Regular Session ***

TITLE 40. MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
CHAPTER 8. EQUIPMENT AND INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
ARTICLE 1. EQUIPMENT GENERALLY
PART 4. HORNS, EXHAUST SYSTEMS, MIRRORS, WINDSHIELDS, TIRES, SAFETY BELTS, ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEMS

O.C.G.A. § 40-8-72 (2007)

§ 40-8-72. Mirrors

Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position 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 vehicle.

HISTORY: Ga. L. 1953, Nov.-Dec. Sess., p. 556, § 118; Code 1933, § 68E-403, enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 165, § 4; Code 1981, § 40-8-72, enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 165, § 10.

Hawaii: Unable to find online source.

Idaho:

TITLE 49
MOTOR VEHICLES
CHAPTER 9
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
49-940. MIRRORS. (1) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror
so located as to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance
of at least two hundred (200) feet to the rear of the vehicle.
(2) When a motor vehicle is so loaded or constructed, or is towing a
vehicle or trailer which is so loaded or constructed as to obstruct the
driver's view straight to the rear, then the motor vehicle shall be equipped
with a mirror on the left side and a mirror on the right side so located as to
reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least two
hundred (200) feet to the rear of the vehicle.
(3) When an operator of a motor vehicle is transporting under special
permit authority an oversize load which makes mirrors impractical devices for
reflecting to the operator a view of the highway to the rear, a following
escort vehicle equipped with proper mirrors meeting the requirements herein
may be substituted for the required mirrors on the hauling motor vehicle. The
escort vehicle must be a car or light truck and it must be equipped with an
oversize load sign, flashing or rotating lights, and a two (2) way radio which
provides full-time communication with the escorted vehicle.

Illinois:

(625 ILCS 5/12‑502) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12‑502)
Sec. 12‑502. Mirrors. Every motor vehicle, operated singly or when towing another 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.

The code listed (Sec. 12‑502) only requires a rear view mirror and no side mirrors but is only true for non tinted windows. Please add the below code that does require side mirrors if the vehicle has tinted windows.

"Sec. 12‑503 (b) Nothing contained in this Section shall prohibit the use of nonreflective, smoked or tinted glass, nonreflective film, perforated window screen or other decorative window application on windows to the rear of the driver's seat, except that any motor vehicle with a window to the rear of the driver's seat treated in this manner shall be equipped with a side mirror on each side of the motor vehicle which are in conformance with Section 12‑502. "
(Source: P.A. 82‑122.)

 

[dz1087]

Indiana:

Information Maintained by the Office of Code Revision Indiana Legislative Services Agency
06/01/2008 02:45:29 PM EDT
IC 9-19-12
Chapter 12. Rear View Mirrors

IC 9-19-12-1
Safety requirements
Sec. 1. A motor vehicle that is constructed or loaded so as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear from the driver's position must be equipped with a mirror located so as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred (200) feet to the rear of the vehicle.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7.

IC 9-19-12-2
United States Department of Transportation regulations; classification of violations
Sec. 2. (a) This section does not apply to a person who owns or operates a vehicle or combination of vehicles that:
(1) contain parts and accessories; and
(2) is equipped;
as required under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation.
(b) A person who violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7.

Iowa:

321.437 Mirrors .
1. 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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle. Any motor vehicle so loaded, or towing another vehicle in such manner, as to obstruct the view in a rear view mirror located in the driver's compartment shall be equipped with a side mirror so located that the view to the rear will not be obstructed however when such vehicle is not loaded or towing another vehicle the side mirrors shall be retracted or removed. All van or van type motor vehicles shall be equipped with outside mirrors of unit magnification, each with not less than nineteen point five square inches of reflective surface, installed with stable supports on both sides of the vehicle, located so as to provide the driver a view to the rear along both sides of the vehicle, and adjustable in both the horizontal and vertical directions to view the rearward scene.
2. Notwithstanding this chapter or chapter 321E , a combination of vehicles coupled together which is used exclusively for the transportation of passenger vehicles, light delivery trucks, panel delivery trucks, pickups, boats, and recreational chassis, may permanently attach a convex-type mirror on either or both of the vertical supports, forward of the steering axle of the power unit, provided that the mirror shall not extend beyond the limit of any other rearview mirror on the vehicle.
[C31, 35, §5105-c20; C39, § 5034.46; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §321.437]
86 Acts, ch 1210, §5
For applicable scheduled fines, see § 805.8A , subsection 3, paragraph b, and subsection 12, paragraph b

Kansas:

Chapter 8.--AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER VEHICLES
Article 17.--UNIFORM ACT REGULATING TRAFFIC; EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES

8-1740. Mirrors. (a) After January 1, 1975, every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

(b) Every motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

(c) All mirrors required by regulations of the United States department of transportation shall be maintained in good condition.

Kentucky:

189.130 Mirrors.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, every motor vehicle shall be
equipped with the following mirrors so located and adjusted as to reflect to the
driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle:
(a) One (1) mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle; and
(b) One (1) mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center
or on the right side of the vehicle.
(2) No person shall, by himself or through his agent or servant, operate a motor vehicle
upon the highways without the equipment required by subsection (1). Each day of
operation without the equipment shall constitute a separate offense.
(3) No person shall sell, barter, or otherwise dispose of any motor vehicle described in
subsection (1) unless it is equipped with a mirror as provided in that subsection.
(4) A motorcycle shall be required only to have the mirror identified a paragraph (a) of
subsection (1) of this section.
Effective: July 12, 2006
History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 173, sec. 9, effective July 12, 2006. -- Recodified
1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739g-
69a, 2739i-1 to 2739i-3.

Louisiana:

§354. Mirrors

A. After January 1, 1975, every motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after December 31, 1972, of a type subject to registration in this state shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle.

B. Every motor vehicle of a type subject to registration in this state, except a motorcycle or motor driven cycle, shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle. When the required view from the inside mirror is obstructed, an outside mirror on the right side of the vehicle shall be required.

C. All mirrors required by this section shall be maintained in good condition at all times.

D. In addition to the mirrors required in Subsections A and B of this Section, every school bus shall be equipped with a mirror on the right side of the vehicle and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle.

E. Every school bus shall be equipped with a mirror of a type and so located as to give the seated driver a view of the area immediately in front of the front bumper, provided, however, that any Type II school bus constructed in such a way that the seated driver has a view of the area immediately in front of the front bumper need not be equipped with the mirror otherwise required by this Subsection.

F. Notwithstanding any provision of this Section or any other provision of law to the contrary, motor vehicles which are used by rural mail carriers in the performance of their duties shall not be required to be equipped with a mirror on the passenger side of the vehicle.

G. In addition to the mirrors required in Subsections A and B of this Section, every delivery van which is part of an official state motor vehicle fleet shall be equipped with a mirror of a type and so located as to give the seated driver a view of the area immediately in the rear of the rear bumper.

Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1968, No. 273, §4; Acts 1974, No. 21, §1; Acts 1976, No. 383, §1; Acts 1993, No. 97, §1; Acts 1997, No. 187, §1.

Maine:

§1914
Title 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES HEADING: PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. B, §5 (aff)
Chapter 17: EQUIPMENT HEADING: PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. B, §5 (aff)
Subchapter 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS HEADING: PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. B, §5 (aff)
§1913. Mirrors
1. Mirrors required. A person may not operate on a public way a vehicle so constructed, equipped, loaded or used that the operator is prevented from having a constantly free and unobstructed view of the way immediately to the rear, unless there is attached a mirror or reflector placed and adjusted to afford the operator a clear, reflected view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of at least 200 feet.
[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]
2. Temporary mirrors. When a vehicle is operated without a trailer or semitrailer, temporary outside rearview mirrors must be removed or otherwise adjusted so as not to extend beyond the width of the automobile.
[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]
3. Motorcycles. A motorcycle must be equipped with a rear view mirror mounted and adjusted to afford the operator a clear, reflected view of the highway in the rear for a distance of at least 200 feet.
[ 2005, c. 577, §26 (AMD) .]
SECTION HISTORY
1993, c. 683, §A2 (NEW). 1993, c. 683, §B5 (AFF). 2005, c. 577, §26 (AMD).

Maryland:

§ 22-403. Mirrors.

(a) Motor vehicles - In general.- Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least one mirror located to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

(b) Same - Registered in this State.- Every motor vehicle registered in this State shall be equipped with an outside mirror on the driver's side located to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle and along the driver's side of the vehicle. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles, which are governed by subsection (c) of this section.

(c) Motorcycle.- Every motorcycle shall be equipped with two rearview mirrors, one each attached to the right and left handlebars, which shall meet applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.

(d) Obstruction of inside view.- Where the view through the inside rearview mirror is obstructed, two outside rearview mirrors are required.

[An. Code 1957, art. 661/2, § 12-403; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1999, ch. 645.]

Massachusetts:

.....Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least one mirror so placed and adjusted as to afford the operator a clear, reflected view of the highway to the rear and left side of the vehicle.....

Mass. lawmakers need to investigate the use of paragraphs!

Michigan:

MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 300 of 1949

257.708 Mirrors.

Sec. 708.

A person shall not drive a motor vehicle on a highway which is so constructed or loaded as to prevent the driver from obtaining a view of the highway to the rear by looking backward from the driver's position, unless the vehicle is equipped with a mirror located so as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle. In addition all motor vehicles shall be equipped with an outside rearview mirror on the driver's side which shall be positioned to give the driver a rearviewing angle from the driver's side of the vehicle, except a motor vehicle licensed as an historic vehicle if the vehicle was not originally equipped with an outside rearview mirror. Rearview mirrors may be positioned on the helmet or visor worn by the operator of a motorcycle if the helmet is securely attached to the head of the operator. Every commercial vehicle of 1/2 ton capacity or more, operating upon the public highways of this state, shall be equipped with 2 mirrors, 1 on each side, adjusted so that the operator shall have a clear view of the highway behind the commercial vehicle. The outside mirrors shall not be considered to be a part of the vehicle for the purpose of determining the maximum width under section 717.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1967, Act 90, Eff. Jan. 1, 1968 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 94, Imd. Eff. July 20, 1970 ;-- Am. 1978, Act 55, Imd. Eff. Mar. 10, 1978

© 2007 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

Minnesota:

169.70 REAR VIEW MIRROR.
Every motor vehicle which is so constructed, loaded or connected with another vehicle as
to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position 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 vehicle.
History: (2720-259) 1937 c 464 s 109

Mississippi:

§ 63-7-57. Mirrors.
Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position 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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

Sources: Codes, 1942, § 8252; Laws, 1938, ch. 200.

Missouri:

section 307-107
4. Mirrors: All motor vehicles which are so constructed or loaded that the operator cannot see the road behind such vehicle by looking back or around the side of such vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror so adjusted as to reveal the road behind and be visible from the operator's seat.

 

[dz1087]

Montana:

61-9-404. Mirrors. A motor vehicle must be equipped with a mirror that reflects to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the motor vehicle.
History: En. Sec. 144, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 113, L. 1959; R.C.M. 1947, ; amd. Sec. 28, Ch. 431, L. 1997.

Nebraska:

Section 60-6,254
Operator; view to rear required; outside mirrors authorized.

No person shall drive a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, on a highway when the motor vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent the driver from obtaining a view of the highway to the rear by looking backward from the driver's position unless such vehicle is equipped with a right-side and a left-side outside mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle. Temporary outside mirrors and attachments used when towing a vehicle shall be removed from such motor vehicle or retracted within the outside dimensions thereof when it is operated upon the highway without such trailer.

Source:

Laws 1931, c. 110, § 40, p. 318;

C.S.Supp.,1941, § 39-1171;

R.S.1943, § 39-775;

Laws 1971, LB 396, § 3;

R.S.Supp.,1972, § 39-775;

Laws 1977, LB 314, § 1;

R.S.1943, (1988), § 39-6,124;

Laws 1993, LB 370, § 350.

Nevada:

NRS 484.617 Mirrors on all motor vehicles. On and after January 1, 1970, every motor vehicle, operated singly or when towing any other 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.

(Added to NRS by 1969, 1208)

New Hampshire:

Section 266:55
266:55 Mirrors. - No person shall drive upon any way any closed motor vehicle, or motor vehicle so constructed, equipped, or loaded that the driver is prevented from having a constantly free and unobstructed view of the way immediately in the rear, unless there is attached to the vehicle a mirror or reflector so placed and adjusted as to afford the driver a clear, reflected view of the way in the rear of the vehicle.

Source. 1921, 119:6. PL 103:8. RL 119:12. RSA 263:22. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.

New Jersey:

39:3-71. Mirrors
Every motor vehicle shall have rear view mirrors so located and angled as to give the driver adequate rear view vision. Every passenger automobile manufactured after January 1, 1965 and registered in this State, shall be equipped with an interior mirror and an exterior mirror on the driver's side. On and after January 1, 1965, every commercial motor vehicle registered in this State, other than a trailer or semitrailer, shall be equipped with an interior mirror and an exterior mirror on the driver's side, except that every such vehicle so constructed or loaded as to obstruct or obscure a rear view from an interior mirror shall, in lieu of an interior mirror, be equipped with an exterior mirror on the side of the vehicle opposite the driver's side. The director may by regulation establish other mirror requirements for special or unusual types of vehicles. Any person operating a motor vehicle without the equipment prescribed by this section shall, on conviction, be fined as provided in Revised Statutes 39:3-79.

Amended by L.1964, c. 119, s. 1.

New Mexico:

66-3-845. Mirrors.
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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

New York:

Mirrors

10. a. Every motor vehicle, when driven or operated upon a public highway, shall be equipped with a mirror or other reflecting device so adjusted that the operator of such vehicle shall have a clear and full view of the road and condition of traffic behind such vehicle.

b. In addition to the above requirements, an omnibus having a capacity of ten or more passengers registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after July first, nineteen hundred seventy, shall be equipped with a mirror attached to the right side of such vehicle and so adjusted that the driver thereof shall have a clear and full view of the road and condition of traffic behind such vehicle.

c. Every passenger motor vehicle registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after June thirtieth, nineteen hundred sixty-nine, and designated as a nineteen hundred seventy or subsequent year model, shall be equipped with adjustable interior mirrors meeting specifications established by the commissioner which specifications may provide minimum and maximum reflectance values.

d. Every new passenger-type motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, manufactured for sale in New York state on or after January first, in the year next succeeding the effective date of this paragraph shall be manufactured with an interior rear-view mirror of the selective position prismatic type with a reflectance value in the night driving position of at least four percent; or its functional equivalent. For purposes of this section, "passenger-type motor vehicle" shall mean any motor vehicle with a seating capacity of not more than fifteen adults, not including the driver, that is equipped with one or more rear windows. Any violation of the provisions of this paragraph by any manufacturer shall constitute an offense and shall be punishable by a civil fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars for each offense.

e. Every single-unit motor vehicle registered in this state, operated for commercial purposes and having a cube style or enclosed walk-in delivery bay, where such delivery bay has a length of eight feet six inches or more, but not exceeding a length of eighteen feet, shall be equipped with a cross-view back-up mirror system, rear video system, rear object detection system, or other device, which enables the driver of the vehicle to detect by means of a visual, or visual and audible warning-indicator, persons and objects located directly behind the vehicle. The commissioner is hereby authorized to promulgate regulations providing specifications for mirrors or other devices as required by this paragraph.

10-a. It shall be unlawful after July first, nineteen hundred sixty-seven to operate on any public highway in this state any motor vehicle registered in this state, manufactured or assembled on or after such date, and designated as a nineteen hundred sixty-eight or later model, unless such vehicle is equipped with an adjustable side view mirror which shall be affixed to the left outside of such vehicle and which shall be adjustable so that the operator of such vehicle may have a clear view of the road and condition of traffic on the left side and to the rear of such vehicle.

North Carolina:

§ 20‑126. Mirrors.

(a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on the streets or highways of this State unless equipped with an inside rearview mirror of a type approved by the Commissioner, which provides the driver with a clear, undistorted, and reasonably unobstructed view of the highway to the rear of such vehicle; provided, a vehicle so constructed or loaded as to make such inside rearview mirror ineffective may be operated if equipped with a mirror of a type to be approved by the Commissioner located so as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of such vehicle. A violation of this subsection shall not constitute negligence per se in civil actions. Farm tractors, self‑propelled implements of husbandry and construction equipment and all self‑propelled vehicles not subject to registration under this Chapter are exempt from the provisions of this section. Provided that pickup trucks equipped with an outside rearview mirror approved by the Commissioner shall be exempt from the inside rearview mirror provision of this section. Any inside mirror installed in any motor vehicle by its manufacturer shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this subsection.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate upon the highways of this State any vehicle manufactured, assembled or first sold on or after January 1, 1966 and registered in this State unless such vehicle is equipped with at least one outside mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle. Mirrors herein required shall be of a type approved by the Commissioner.

(c) No person shall operate a motorcycle upon the streets or highways of this State unless such motorcycle is equipped with a rearview mirror so mounted as to provide the operator with a clear, undistorted and unobstructed view of at least 200 feet to the rear of the motorcycle. No motorcycle shall be registered in this State after January 1, 1968, unless such motorcycle is equipped with a rearview mirror as described in this section. Violation of the provisions of this subsection shall not be considered negligence per se or contributory negligence per se in any civil action. (1937, c. 407, s. 89; 1965, c. 368; 1967, c. 282, s. 1; c. 674, s. 2; c. 1139; 2002‑159, ss. 22(a), 22(b).)

North Dakota:

39-21-38. Mirror. On and after January 1, 1964, every motor vehicle, operated singly or
when towing any other vehicle, must be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the
driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet [60.96 meters] to the rear
of such motor vehicle.

Ohio:

4513.23 Rear view mirror.

(A) Every motor vehicle, motorcycle, and trackless trolley shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the operator a view of the highway to the rear of such vehicle, motorcycle, or trackless trolley. Operators of vehicles, motorcycles, streetcars, and trackless trolleys shall have a clear and unobstructed view to the front and to both sides of their vehicles, motorcycles, streetcars, or trackless trolleys and shall have a clear view to the rear of their vehicles, motorcycles, streetcars, or trackless trolleys by mirror.

(B) Whoever violates this section shall be punished as provided in section 4513.99 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

Oklahoma:

§47-12-403. Mirrors.
A. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the motor vehicle.
B. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.
C. Every school bus and church bus shall be equipped with a mirror system so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver, when seated in the bus driver's position, the presence of a pedestrian directly in front of the bus and beneath the driver's direct line of sight.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 408, § 12-403. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 52, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.

 

[dz1087]

Oregon:

(Mirrors)
815.235 Operation without rearview
mirror; exemptions; penalty. (1) A person
commits the offense of operation without a
rearview mirror if the person does any of the
following:
(a) Drives or moves on any highway any
motor vehicle that is not equipped with a
rearview mirror or device that meets the requirements
under this section.
(b) Owns a motor vehicle and causes or
knowingly permits the vehicle to be driven
or moved on any highway when the vehicle
is not equipped with a rearview mirror or
device that meets the requirements under
this section.
(2) A rearview mirror or device only
meets the requirements of this section if it
enables the driver of the vehicle to have
such a clear and unobstructed view of the
rear at all times and under all conditions of
load as will enable the driver to see any
other vehicle approaching from not less than
200 feet in the rear on an unobstructed road.
(3) This section does not apply to the
following vehicles:
(a) Vehicles of special interest that are
registered under ORS 805.020 and that were
not equipped with rearview mirrors when
originally manufactured.
(b) Road machinery, road rollers or farm
tractors.
(c) Antique motor vehicles that are registered
under ORS 805.010 and that were not
equipped with rearview mirrors when originally
manufactured.
(4) The offense described in this section,
operation without a rearview mirror, is a
Class

Pennsylvania:

§ 175.68. Mirrors.

(a) Condition of mirrors. Mirrors shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.80 (relating to inspection procedure).

(b) Rearview mirrors. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with at least one rearview mirror or similar device which provides the driver an unobstructed view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of not less than 200 feet. A mirror may not be cracked, broken or discolored.

(c) Obstructions. On a vehicle specified under this subchapter, a rearview mirror shall be free from obstructions as described in § 175.80.

(1) A vehicle specified under this subchapter having a sign, load or material which obstructs, obscures or impairs the driver's clear view of the highway or an intersecting highway shall have two outside rearview mirrors, one on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side, each with a minimum reflective surface of 19.5 square inches.

(2) Rear window louvers are permitted only if the vehicle has at least two outside rearview mirrors, one on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side, each with minimum reflective surfaces of 19.5 square inches.

(3) Rearview mirrors, each with a minimum reflective surface of 19.5 square inches, shall be installed on both sides of a vehicle for which a certificate of exemption for a sun screening device or other material has been issued. A vehicle for which a certificate of exemption has been issued for medical reasons may be equipped with only a left outside rearview mirror, unless the vehicle was originally equipped with an outside rearview mirror on both sides of the vehicle.

(4) No object or material may be hung from the rearview mirror and no object or material may be hung, placed or attached in a position so as to materially obstruct, obscure or impair the driver's vision through the windshield or constitute a safety hazard.

(5) This subsection also applies to glass etchings, except those used for vehicle identification.

(d) Motor homes. A motor home shall be free from obstructions as described in this subchapter.

(1) A vehicle manufactured as or permanently converted into a motor home with a GVW of 11,000 pounds or less may have windows-approved glass only-transparent screens and roll-up shades or curtains installed if the shades and curtains are securely fastened in the completely opened position to avoid covering a portion of window while the vehicle is being operated on the highway. Venetian blinds may not cover a window while the vehicle is operated on the highway.

(2) If a window is covered for installation of a wardrobe, cupboard or other convenience, it shall be factory installed or otherwise permanently installed-optional equipment or facsimile only. Two outside mirrors shall be installed to afford the operator a clear view 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

Authority

The provisions of this § 175.68 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4521, 4524 and 6103.

Source

The provisions of this § 175.68 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended September 27, 1996, effective September 28, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4640. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (132870) to (132871).

Cross References

This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175.80 (relating to inspection procedure).

Rhode Island:

SECTION 31-23-15

§ 31-23-15 Rear-view mirror. - (a) Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear of it from the driver's position 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 two hundred feet (200') to the rear of the vehicle.

(b) Every motor vehicle, the primary function of which is the carrying of passengers, shall be equipped with a rear-view mirror on the left front door or fender, so located as to reflect a view of the highway for at least two hundred feet (200') to the rear of the vehicle.

(c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.

South Carolina:

SECTION 56-5-4990. Mirrors.

Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position 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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

South Dakota:

32-15-8. Rear-vision mirrors required--Visibility distance--Violation as petty offense. Every motor vehicle entitled to be licensed in South Dakota 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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle, whether operated singly or towing another vehicle. A violation of this section is a petty offense.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0348; SL 1967, ch 198; SL 1989, ch 255, § 36.

Tennessee:

55-9-206. Trucks to be equipped with rearview mirror. -

Any motor truck using the streets, roads, highways, and other public thoroughfares, which, by reason of its construction, either when loaded or unloaded, prevents the driver's view of the rear, shall be equipped with a mirror arranged in such manner and maintained so that the driver or operator may view the roadway to the rear and note the approach of vehicles from the rear of such motor truck.

[Acts 1923, ch. 53, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 1616a10; Code 1932, § 2709; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-921.]

This means commercials trucks, private vehicles need not have any mirrors under any circumstances.

Texas:

§ 547.602. MIRRORS REQUIRED. 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.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Utah:

41-6a-1627. Mirrors.

(1) (a) A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle.
(b) A mirror under Subsection (1)(a) shall be located to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.
(2) (a) Except for a motorcycle, in addition to the mirror required under Subsection (1), a motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side.
(b) The mirror under Subsection (2)(a) shall be located to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 2, 2005 General Session

Vermont:

1305. Mirror required

§ 1305. Mirror required

All motor trucks and motor vehicles towing a trailer or semi-trailer shall be equipped with a mirror not less than five inches in diameter or with less than 25 square inches of reflective area so attached that the driver shall at all times have a reflected view of other vehicles approaching from the rear. The mirror shall be attached in a manner that complies with the width requirements of section 1431 of this title. The extended rear-view mirror shall be retracted or removed when not towing a trailer or semi-trailer. (Amended 2001, No. 18, § 1, eff. May 8, 2001.)

Virginia:

§ 46.2-1082. Mirrors.

No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway in the Commonwealth if the vehicle is not equipped with a mirror which reflects to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of not less than 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle.

No motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth, designed and licensed primarily for passenger vehicular transportation on the public highways and manufactured after 1968 shall be driven on the highways in the Commonwealth unless equipped with at least one outside and at least one inside rear view mirror meeting the requirements of this section.

Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, no motor vehicle which either has no rear window, or which has a rear window so obstructed as to prevent rearward vision by means of an inside rear view mirror, shall be required to be equipped with an inside rear view mirror if such motor vehicle has horizontally and vertically adjustable outside rear view mirrors installed on both sides of such motor vehicle in such a manner as to provide the driver of such motor vehicle a rearward view along both sides of such motor vehicle for at least 200 feet.

(Code 1950, § 46-294; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-289; 1968, c. 730; 1980, c. 13; 1989, c. 727.)

Washington:

RCWs > Title 46 > Chapter 46.37 > Section 46.37.400

46.37.395 << 46.37.400 >> 46.37.410

RCW 46.37.400
Mirrors, backup devices.

(1) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so located to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

(2) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

(3) Every truck registered or based in Washington that is equipped with a cube-style, walk-in cargo box up to eighteen feet long used in the commercial delivery of goods and services must be equipped with a rear crossview mirror or backup device to alert the driver that a person or object is behind the truck.

(4) All mirrors and backup devices required by this section shall be maintained in good condition. Rear crossview mirrors and backup devices will be of a type approved by the Washington state patrol.

[1998 c 2 § 1; 1977 ex.s. c 355 § 34; 1963 c 154 § 25; 1961 c 12 § 46.37.400. Prior: 1955 c 269 § 40; prior: 1937 c 189 § 37; RRS § 6360-37; RCW 46.36.060.]

Notes:
Effective date -- 1998 c 2: "This act takes effect September 30, 1998." [1998 c 2 § 2.]

Severability -- 1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

Effective date -- 1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

West Virginia:

§17C-15-35. Mirrors.
Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position 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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

Wisconsin:

347.40 Mirrors. (1) No person shall operate any motor
vehicle upon a highway unless such vehicle is equipped with a
mirror so located as to reflect to the operator a view of the roadway
for a distance of 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle.
(2) No person shall operate on a highway any school bus having
a passenger−carrying capacity of 10 or more persons including
the operator unless such bus is equipped with at least one mirror
which is 7 inches in diameter so located as to enable the operator
to see a reflection of the road from the entire front bumper forward
to a point where direct observation is possible.
(3) No person may operate or permit the operation of any
motor bus on a highway unless the bus is equipped with 2 outside
rearview mirrors, one to the right and one to the left of the operator.
Each mirror shall have not less than 50 square inches of unobstructed
reflective surface and shall be firmly supported and
adjustable to give the operator a clear view past both the right and
left rear of the bus.
History: 1975 c. 84; 1987 a. 235.
Cross Reference: See also ss. Trans 305.26 and 305.44, Wis. adm. code.

Wyoming:

31-5-954. Mirrors.

(a) On or before January 1, 1986, every motor vehicle including motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and mopeds shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

NOTE: Effective 1/1/2008, this section will read as follows:

(a) On or before January 1, 1986, every motor vehicle including motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, multipurpose vehicles and mopeds shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

(b) Every motor vehicle except a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped, shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

 

[dz1087]

In summary, most states only require a windshield mounted rear-view mirror. If you cannot see out your rear-window, then most of those require an outside mounted mirror. Only a handful of states actually require a left mounted mirror, or left and right mirrors.

 

[rustywrangler]

I'll be editing my previous posts above to include those states I have not gotten to yet. If anyone has any links like those above, please pm them to me to keep the thread uncluttered.

Once we get it togeather man, I will simply clean up the thread.

 

[rustywrangler]

Bump till I can find a place to post this thread.