Mirrors

Information 

Obligatory Mirrors 

This inspection only applies to obligatory rear view mirrors or indirect vision devices. 

Indirect vision devices (cameras) may replace mirrors on some vehicles, with the view through to the rear displayed on a screen in the driver’s cabin. 

Where such devices are fitted, the Method of Inspection applies to both the cameras and the screen. 

Obligatory mirrors are: 

a. An exterior mirror fitted to the offside side(right-hand side when seated in the driver’s seat, or 

b. An exterior mirror fitted to the nearside (left-hand side when seated in the driver’s seat, or 

c. An interior mirror. 

Note: 

 A motor vehicle (not being a goods vehicle or a bus) first used before 1 June 1978 must have any one of the above options. 

A motor vehicle (not being a goods vehicle or a bus) first used on or after 1 June 1978 but before 26 January 2010, must have two mirrors, one of which must be option ‘a’. 

All goods vehicles first used before 26 January 2010 must have two mirrors, one of which must be option ‘a’. 

Buses first used before 1 April 1983 must have two mirrors, one of which must be option ‘a’. 

Buses first used on or after1 April 1983 must have an exterior mirror fitted on both the offside and nearside (‘a’ and ‘b’). 

All motor vehicles (excluding Buses) first used on or after 26 January 2010 must have two external mirrors (‘a’ and ‘b’), also an interior mirror (‘c’), only if it can provide rearward vision. 

Unbodied vehicles other than 3 wheeled mopeds must have two rear view mirrors (‘a’ and ‘b’), 

An unbodied vehicle classed as a 3 wheeled moped must have one mirror. If used on or after 1 June 1978 it must be option ‘a’. 

Additional Mirrors 

Any mirrors additional to the obligatory mirrors are not subject to this inspection. 

Method Of Inspection 

1. Check the obligatory mirrors or indirect vision devices for presence, security, condition and usability. 

2. Sit in the driver’s seat and check that each obligatory mirror or indirect vision device provides an adequate view to the rear. 

Note: It is not generally necessary to adjust mirrors or devices for this check. 

Reason For Rejection 

		Reason For Rejection	Deficiency Category
1		An obligatory mirror or indirect vision device:	MAJOR
	A	Missing or insecure.	MINOR
	B	Slightly damaged	MAJOR
	C	Obscured, damaged or deteriorated so that the view to the rear is seriously impaired	MAJOR
	D	Does not provide an adequate view to the rear or is incapable of being adjusted to provide an adequate view.	MAJOR
	e	With sharp edges exposed.	MAJOR