Can I drive with damaged or missing mirrors?

It is essential that you can see behind and next to you while driving. This is achieved using the rear view mirror or one of your vehicle's two side mirrors. But what if the mirror is missing or damaged?…

It is essential that you can see behind and next to you while driving. This is achieved using the rear view mirror or one of your vehicle's two side mirrors. But what if the mirror is missing or damaged? Is it legal to drive with a missing or damaged mirror?

What the law says

First, understand that laws vary from state to state. However, most of them require you to have at least two mirrors that provide a view behind you. This means that you can legally drive your car as long as two of the three mirrors are still working and intact. However, while this may be legal, it is not particularly safe. This is especially true of the side mirrors. It is very difficult to get a good view of traffic from the passenger side of the car from the driver's seat without a side mirror.

You should also understand that while it's not technically illegal to drive a car in this condition, a police officer can stop you if they notice it's missing or damaged.

The best option

The best option is to replace the mirror if it is broken or damaged. If only the mirror is damaged, it is relatively easy to replace. If the actual mirror housing is broken on one of your side mirrors, it will take a little longer to replace (you will need a new housing and new glass).