Dual Side Mirrors in Cars: The Purpose, Types, and Legality

When you are driving a car, it is incredibly important that you can see what is going on around you. This is why side mirrors are so important! Side mirrors give you a view of the sides and rear of your car, which can help you avoid accidents. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of side mirrors, as well as their purpose. We will also talk about the legality of side mirrors and whether or not you are required to have dual side mirror setups.

Dual Side Vs Single Side Mirror – What’s the difference?

Single Side Mirror

A single side mirror is a car mirror that is mounted on only one side of the car. They are used to help drivers see what is happening on their side of their car. Single side mirrors can be either manual or automatic. Manual mirrors must be adjusted by hand, while automatic mirrors will adjust themselves depending on the angle of the car. Most new cars come with automatic mirrors, but some older models still have manual mirrors.

Dual Side Mirror

A dual side mirror set up in a car is when there are mirrors on either side of the car. This allows for better visibility when driving, as you can see what is happening on both sides of the car. This is especially important when turning or changing lanes, as you can ensure that there is enough space and that no other cars are coming. A dual side mirror setup is also helpful when parking, as you can see how much space you have to work with. If you are looking for better visibility while driving, consider installing a dual side mirror setup in your car.

Did Cars Always Come With Side Mirrors?

No, cars did not always have two side mirrors. The first car that was mass-produced in the United States, the Ford Model T, did not have side mirrors. However, after it was released to the public, people began to complain that they were unable to see what was happening on the sides of their car, so Henry Ford added them as an optional extra. Even until the late 1980s, new cars didn’t come pre-installed with passenger side-view mirrors. It cost extra and had to be installed by the dealership if a buyer wanted one.

Dual side mirrors

Do All Modern Cars Come With Dual Side Mirrors?

From my understanding, all modern cars come equipped with two side mirrors. I’m not entirely sure why this is the case, but it’s been that way for many years now. Perhaps it has something to do with safety and making sure drivers can see as much as possible around their vehicle. But regardless of the reason, it’s become a standard feature on most automobiles.

There are some exceptions to this rule, of course. Some specialist or luxury vehicles or sports cars may only have one mirror on the driver’s side. But for the most part, you can expect all new cars to have at least two side mirrors.

Is it Illegal to Drive With Only One Side Mirror?

The laws governing car mirrors vary from state to state. In most states, drivers must have at least two mirrors to see what is behind them.

If that is the case in your state, you can drive your car as long as two of the three mirrors are intact. If one of your mirrors is missing or broken, you may be pulled over by a law enforcement officer.

Below are some states that require side mirrors on vehicles. To help you ensure you are not violating mirror laws, be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency to confirm the regulations in your state.

Mississippi requires drivers to have side mirrors if the view inside the car is obstructed.

Utah requires drivers to have two mirrors on their car- one on the driver’s side, and one on the passenger’s side.

Oklahoma requires drivers to have two mirrors on their car, one of which should be on the left side.

Washington state law says that drivers must have at least one side mirror on their car. If the view from the center mirror or rear window is blocked, then they are required to install a side mirror.

Illinois requires drivers to have two side mirrors if the view from the center or rear window is obstructed.

Iowa requires cars to have a passenger-side mirror only if the driver’s main, center mirror is blocked by something and they cannot see behind them.

North Dakota does not require that there be a side mirror on their car unless it obstructs your view of what’s behind you in your main, center rearview mirror. In this case, you are required to install one on each side of your car.

Idaho does not need any type of side mirrors on their vehicles as long as they can clearly see out of the front and back windows without obstruction from other objects inside or outside their car.

Texas requires drivers to have at least one rearview mirror and a right-side mirror if the view inside their vehicle is obstructed in any way, including by other vehicles on either side of them while driving down highways or roads with more than two lanes going each direction (for example).

Vermont does not require that there be two side mirrors, but only one center rearview mirror.

California requires drivers to install a left-side mirror for cars and trucks under 25 feet long; these types of vehicles must also have either a right-side mirror or standard type when parked facing forward.

Conclusion – Are Two Side Mirrors Better Than One?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people believe that two side mirrors are better because they give a wider view of the sides of the car. Others believe that one mirror is better because it is easier to adjust and less likely to get damaged. Ultimately, it is up to the individual driver to decide which configuration works best for them

Go Home