Is it Legal to Drive with a Broken Wing Mirror?
Reading time 4 minutes • Last updated on August 15th, 2024
Categories Driving Law »
Is it Legal to Drive with a Broken Wing Mirror?
Reading time 4 minutes • Last updated on August 15th, 2024
Categories Driving Law »
Last updated on August 15th, 2024What does this mean?
With many drivers, having to park their cars on the road or other high-risk places such as shared car parks, their vehicles are unfortunately prone to wing mirror damage.
Whether caused by a passing car driven carelessly or by a large vehicle squeezing down the road, wing mirrors can often be easily broken, smashed or removed completely.
Wing mirrors can also be damaged by vandals, even when the car in question is parked safely on a private driveway.
Not only does this cause the driver of the damaged vehicle a great deal of inconvenience as well as the added stress and financial burden of having to pay for the damage, there are also legal implications associated with having a damaged wing mirror.
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Generally, there are three rear-view mirrors that come fitted as standard on all vehicles.
The driver’s side rear-view mirror, also known as the offside mirror.
The passenger side rear-view mirror, also known as the nearside mirror.
And lastly, the interior rear-view mirror.
In accordance with the Construction and Use Regulations set out in 1986, all vehicles first used after the 1st of August 1978, must have at least two mirrors that offer an adequate view to the rear of the vehicle.
This means that if the interior rear-view mirror is damaged, obscured or missing, both of the wing mirrors need to be intact.
When considering vehicles first used after the 1st of August 1978, it is commonly required that one of the fully-operational mirrors be the offside rear view mirror. Having a damaged or missing offside rear-view mirror will also result in a failed MOT.
Vehicles first used prior to the 1st of August 1978, which may have only been made with one mirror, need only have one mirror.
In light of the above information, it is not illegal to drive without the nearside rear-view mirror, provided the other two mirrors are intact.
It is important to be aware that although not illegal, you can still be stopped by the police if they notice that either one of your wing mirrors is damaged or missing. This can be not only embarrassing and inconvenient, but can also lead to a notice being issued that requires the driver to have the damage repaired within fourteen days.
Despite the legal requirements concerning rear-view mirrors, it is highly advisable to ensure that all three rear-view mirrors are intact.
Here at The Windscreen Company we would always recommend that any damage to your rear-view mirrors, either caused by yourself or a third party, is repaired as soon as possible to avoid both potential accidents and legal action.
We specialise in the providing affordable and reliable windscreen repairs and windscreen replacements to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers as well as other road users. To find out more, or get a free quote, call us on 0800 998 1068 or contact us using the form below.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
The information within this article was accurate on the date the article was last updated based on the information that was openly available on the topic online. The Windscreen Company accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused by or connected with any error or omission in this article. You should make your own judgement in regards to use of this document and seek professional advice on your particular circumstances.
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