If you have been a driver for any amount of time, you may not think much about your mirrors as you probably check them without even thinking about it. However, these small parts on your vehicle play a major role that works with every other system in your car to keep you safe.
Side mirrors are the mirrors located on the exterior of passenger vehicles. If one of them becomes damaged or is torn from your vehicle, you may wonder if you can continue driving without a side mirror in Texas. Like all Texas vehicle safety laws, you should be aware of side-view mirror regulations in Texas.
If you came out to your parked car and found that someone broke the side view mirror off your vehicle, you should know whether it’s illegal to drive without it until you get it repaired. In Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin, you could be held liable for damages in an accident if you’re missing these side mirrors.
Angel Reyes & Associates is a personal injury law firm in East Texas that advocates for injured victims. In this blog post, we provide information about side mirrors and what the law says about mirrors required for your vehicle.
Texas Mirror Laws and Regulations
Texas side mirror laws are addressed by the Texas Transportation Code, which specifies the requirements for mirrors on motor vehicles. According to this code, a motor vehicle must be equipped with outside mirrors on both the left and right sides of the vehicle that reflect a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear. This will help you see anyone in your blind spots and prevent accidents.
State law only requires one rearview mirror though. As long as it provides a clear view of the highway through the rear window for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear, it’s acceptable.
Requirements for Mirrors in Texas
A motor vehicle is only required to have one rearview mirror, which can be either an exterior rearview mirror or an interior rearview mirror. With this center mirror, it must be in a location of the car that helps reflect the view of the road for at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
As for side mirrors, they’re not explicitly required, but they are recommended for safety purposes as they can help detect vehicles in blind spots and prevent a driver from getting into an accident.
Safety Implications of Driving Without a Mirror
Not having one mirror as the center mirror will often result in issues with the police. Additionally, driving a car that isn’t equipped with side mirrors can increase the risk of accidents, as it can obstruct the driver’s view and make it difficult to see other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. A rearview mirror is essential for safe driving, as it allows the driver to see what’s behind their car and avoid potential hazards.
Coupled with windshield wipers, another important part of any car to help provide a clear view, these things may not get you pulled over outright, though a police officer will surely notice that you’re missing one mirror on your windshield or missing side mirrors if they stop you for breaking the speed limit. To ensure you’re not in violation, it’s best to make sure your vehicle is equipped with everything it needs.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Driving without a required mirror, whether it’s the side view mirror or the rearview mirror, can result in fines or other penalties. If your side mirrors are broken, you must get them repaired right away. Driving with broken side mirrors on your car can result in a traffic ticket and fines.
Generally, an officer will run your license plate and discuss whether you as the operator were speeding. They may note things like issues with your brake lights, windshield wipers, or mirrors. If your side mirrors or other items on your car are broken, they may not allow you to drive home. They may have you tow it to a shop to get your side view mirror and any other nonfunctional parts of your car repaired before you’re permitted to drive it.
Exemptions and Exceptions
There are no specific exemptions or exceptions to mirror laws in the state. However, some vehicles may be exempt from certain regulations. These would include commercial vehicles and trucks as they have different requirements for side mirrors than passenger vehicles.
No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, make sure that it’s roadworthy and compliant with all requirements for the state. Failing to abide by the rules will result in a violation that could become incredibly costly.
Ensuring Compliance with Texas Mirror Laws
It’s always a good idea to check your car regularly to inspect it for anything that may be broken, including the windshield wipers, brakes, doors, and all mirrors. If any of these things are damaged, you should have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible to abide by state law and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Mirror Laws
Is driving without a side mirror illegal in Texas?
No, if you do not have a side mirror, it isn’t necessarily illegal to drive without it. However, it’s recommended for safety purposes. If you get into an accident and you’re missing one of your side mirrors, you could be held partially liable, which would reduce the compensation you receive.
What are the requirements for interior mirrors in Texas?
A motor vehicle is only required to have one rearview mirror installed that should not be blocked by any kind of obstruction.
Can I drive without a rearview mirror in Texas?
No, a rearview mirror is essential for safe driving, and it must be in the correct position in a car to keep from blocking the view ahead as well as reveal the full view of what’s behind the vehicle.
Call Angel Reyes & Associates
Mirror laws and regulations are in place to ensure public safety on the roads and prevent accidents. Every driver should make sure they meet the requirements in Texas and have these items installed correctly.
If you do not have mirrors as required by law, you could receive fines and penalties. While it’s likely that you will escape detection if you’re following the other rules of the road, if you’re involved in a traffic stop for another type of violation, the officer may issue a citation for your broken or missing mirrors.
When a person gets into a car accident, if any mirrors are damaged or missing, it may bring up issues for their liability. You could be blamed for your crash if these items are absent from your vehicle. The other driver may argue that due to your lack of mirrors, you changed lanes into their vehicle and should be held liable.
However, if the tables are turned and you can prove that the other person didn’t have mirrors, it may help prove their liability in your case. It’s important to discuss what happened with a personal injury attorney to determine your next steps. Contact Angel Reyes & Associates to schedule a free initial consultation and find out more.
