Is It Legal To Drive With A Broken Wing Mirror?

If your wing mirror is damaged, hanging, or completely broken off, you might be wondering about the legality of driving with it. If it’s legal to drive with a broken wing mirror actually depends on the extent of the damage.

Within this article, we delve into the legal aspects of having a broken wing mirror. We’ll explore when it’s within the legal bounds to continue driving and when it’s time to cease driving and repair it.

Driving with a Cracked Wing Mirror: Is it Legal?

For minor wing mirror damage, like a slight crack, you can generally keep driving. Nevertheless, it’s highly recommended to mend the damage promptly. The reason behind this advice is that impaired visibility in the mirror can compromise your driving safety. Additionally, if a crack or chip is left unattended, it has the potential to worsen over time.

There’s one exception to this rule. If your internal mirror is also damaged, it becomes a legal requirement to have two fully functional rear-view mirrors at all times. So both your wing mirrors must be intact if the internal mirror is not.

Can you drive with a missing wing mirror?

If the driver’s side wing mirror is entirely absent or hanging off, driving the vehicle becomes illegal. This prohibition is based on safety considerations and the risk of obstructed visibility due to a dangling wing mirror.

On the other hand, if the passenger side wing mirror is missing, your driver’s side wing mirror and internal mirror must both be intact and in good condition for you to drive legally without it.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines and demerit points on your driving license. However, there is one exception. Vehicles manufactured and first used before August 1st, 1978, which have only one rear view mirror, are permitted to have just one wing mirror.

Addressing a Broken Wing Mirror

When dealing with a missing or broken wing mirror, seeking the assistance of a professional company is crucial. This ensures replacement with a legally compliant wing mirror that matches your car’s specifications and is fitted correctly. Always consult your insurance provider to determine if the cost is covered under your policy.