Is It Illegal To Drive With A Broken Side Mirror? (2025)

Is it Illegal to Drive Without Side Mirrors? Federal and State Safety Requirements

According to federal guidelines, every passenger vehicle, bus and truck must have a driver’s side mirror. One of the problems with these laws, however, is that they’re meant for the manufacturer of vehicles and don’t address what could happen if your mirror is damaged. That is when state laws come into play.

In the majority of states, you need to have at least two undamaged mirrors to see behind you. If you live in one of those states, having one side mirror and the rearview mirror intact can be enough. In others, however, you may not need any side mirrors as long as you can see behind the car.

A slightly damaged side mirror will usually not be a problem unless the mirror inside the vehicle is also damaged. In that case, you’re putting yourself at risk of causing auto accidents. Similarly, features like underglow lighting - while not always explicitly illegal - can still attract police attention if they're considered a distraction or visibility hazard on the road. The same goes for overly tinted windows, which can reduce visibility and violate state regulations depending on how dark they are or which windows are tinted.

Can you get pulled over for not having a side mirror? Yes. If the driver’s side mirror is gone or is not affixed correctly, you will likely be stopped by law enforcement. On the other hand, if the passenger side mirror is missing, most states only require that you have undamaged interior and driver’s side mirrors.

State-by-State Mirror Law Requirements

To see the difference between states when it comes to side mirrors, here’s a look at what the laws require.

Alabama

In Alabama, side mirrors are not required. You only need to have one working mirror that gives you a rear view.

California

California requires that there be at least two working mirrors that the driver can use to see behind the car. One of these mirrors must be on the left-hand side. The only vehicles excluded are motorcycles.

Colorado

Colorado requires that all passenger vehicles have working side mirrors if the rear window is obstructed or if the car doesn’t have a rear window.

Kansas

In Kansas, there must be one mirror on the driver’s side and one other mirror anywhere else in the vehicle. All of the mirrors must be in good condition.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts only states that there must be one mirror on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Where to Get a Replacement Side Mirror

You can find replacement side mirrors at car dealerships as well as online. If you’re not auto-savvy and aren’t sure how to find the right part, it’s always better to turn to a mechanic who can point you the right way. That will prevent you from buying something that isn’t right for your car.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Side Mirrors?

Aside from putting you at risk of car accidents, driving without side mirrors can also earn you some penalties. The exact penalties can depend on the state. In New York, for example, driving without at least one functional side mirror can mean a ticket of anywhere from $50 to $150.

In Florida, you can receive a ticket and points on your license, depending on whether this is the first offense or not. If you have a missing driver’s side mirror in North Carolina, you could face up to $100 in fines as well as additional court costs.

Most states will require that you pay a fine of some kind, and many will also add points to your license. An accumulation of points means facing higher insurance premiums. Additionally, if you do get into an accident because of your diminished visibility, you could face lawsuits.

Steps to Take if Someone Broke Your Side Mirror

If someone’s negligence resulted in a broken side mirror, the first thing to do is to ensure the glass won’t fall off and that you have two full working mirrors before operating the vehicle.

You should then file a police report. This is generally a fast process that leaves a record of what occurred and that you can use to file a claim.

You’ll then need to replace the mirror. Check with your local dealerships and mechanics to see if they have available parts. It’s usually best if you have a mechanic install the part for you.

If the mirror was broken in an accident, you can include the cost of its replacement with the rest of the property damage in the claim or car accident lawsuit you file.

If the broken mirror was the only loss you suffered and you’re not filing a claim, you can choose not to go through your insurance, depending on the cost of the replacement. If you’re not sure what to do, you should speak with a lawyer to learn more about your options.

How a Lawyer Can Help

In most instances, you can receive what’s called a Fix-It ticket. If you fix the problem with the side mirror within the assigned deadline, the fine may be waived or reduced. You should hire an attorney if the fine is significant, you risk having a lot of points added to your license or if you have been in an accident because of missing mirrors.

A traffic ticket lawyer can help you fight the penalties you’re facing, while a car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and what options you may have after a collision.

Choosing Experienced Legal Counsel

If you’re facing steep penalties for driving with a broken or missing side mirror, auto lawyers can guide you. At ConsumerShield, our team can connect you with experienced and trusted attorneys around the country who can offer the support and counsel you need.

Contact our team at ConsumerShield to see what your legal options are.