Is it illegal to drive with a broken side mirror?
In many jurisdictions, driving with a broken side mirror can be illegal or treated as unsafe equipment, and you should repair or replace it promptly. Laws vary by location, so check your local regulations.
How the law treats broken mirrors around the world
Understanding the framework helps motorists know when a broken mirror becomes a legal issue. The core idea is that vehicles must provide adequate rear visibility and be in safe operating condition. The details depend on where you are: some places require two exterior mirrors on passenger cars, others only require a left-side mirror; enforcement often treats inoperative mirrors as an equipment defect that can trigger a ticket or a vehicle inspection failure.
Key regional tendencies at a glance:
- United States: Laws vary by state; most states require at least one exterior rearview mirror on the driver's side; many also require a right-side mirror for cars; a broken mirror can be cited as an equipment violation or unsafe condition.
- United Kingdom: Vehicles typically must have working exterior mirrors on both sides; driving with a broken mirror can be illegal and may lead to a stop or a "dangerous defect" notice; temporary repairs may be permitted to reach a repair shop.
- European Union: Most passenger cars are required to have two exterior side mirrors; a defective mirror may render the vehicle unroadworthy and fail inspections or draw a roadside stop.
- Canada and other regions: Provincial and territorial rules vary, but several jurisdictions require two exterior mirrors; a broken mirror is typically treated as unsafe equipment or a defect.
Because rules differ across jurisdictions and enforcement practices vary, treat a broken side mirror as a high-priority repair and verify with local authorities or your department of motor vehicles if you plan to drive.
What to do if your mirror breaks while driving
In the moment and for safety, follow these steps to minimize risk and potential legal trouble:
- Find a safe place to pull over as soon as practicable; use hazard lights if needed and check traffic around you.
- Use the remaining mirrors and your judgment before changing lanes; avoid lane changes if possible and increase following distance from other vehicles.
- Do not drive long distances with the broken mirror; arrange a repair or replacement as soon as possible.
- Consult a repair shop or parts supplier for a replacement mirror assembly or glass, and choose the correct model for your vehicle including any power or heated features if present.
- After repair, verify that the mirror is securely attached and properly aligned for safe driving.
A broken mirror creates blind spots and elevates the risk of collisions. Laws can treat it as an unsafe condition, so prioritize a timely repair and avoid relying on makeshift solutions while on public roads.
Safe-use tips if you must drive short distances with a damaged mirror
If you absolutely must drive to a repair shop and you cannot delay, proceed with caution: increase following distance, signal early, check lanes using both shoulder and cross-checks, and limit speed. Do not rely solely on the broken mirror for lane changes and be extra aware of blind spots.
Repair options and what to expect
There are several ways to fix a broken side mirror, depending on the damage and the vehicle. Here are common options:
- Replace the mirror glass if the housing is intact; this is often the quickest and most affordable fix for a cracked or shattered glass panel.
- Replace the entire exterior mirror assembly (mirror housing, glass, and mounting), which is more expensive but ensures full functionality and proper mounting.
- Repair the housing or secure a loose mirror if the mounting is damaged or the linkage/wiring for power mirrors is affected.
- Consult a professional installation to ensure correct alignment and safety compliance, especially for vehicles with power-adjustable, heated, or memory mirrors.
Note: Temporary DIY hacks (like tape or glue) may be unsafe and are generally not recommended for public road use; verify local regulations about temporary fixes and always aim for a proper repair or replacement.
Choosing the right replacement
When selecting a replacement, match the mirror type (driver’s side vs. passenger side), mounting style, and any electronic features (power adjust, heating, auto-dimming) to your vehicle’s specifications. If in doubt, bring your vehicle’s VIN or consult a parts specialist or dealer to ensure compatibility.
After replacing, test the mirror’s stability and adjustability before resuming normal driving, and recheck in a few days to confirm there are no vibration or alignment issues.
Summary
Across jurisdictions, a broken side mirror is typically treated as an equipment defect or unsafe condition that can lead to enforcement action or a requirement to repair. While some places may allow limited driving to reach a repair shop, the safest and often legally prudent approach is to stop safely and arrange prompt replacement or repair. Always consult your local DMV or police guidance for current rules in your area, and prioritize a proper, secure mirror installation to maintain full rear visibility on the road.
Is it illegal to drive with a smashed side mirror?
All Mirrors Must Be Intact and Functional: This includes both external side mirrors and the rear-view mirror inside the car.
Is it illegal to have a broken mirror?
No, it is not illegal to have a broken mirror in your home. However, it is illegal in many states to drive a vehicle with a broken side mirror that compromises your visibility, as most states require at least two functional rear-view mirrors (like the driver's side mirror and the interior mirror) to be legally operated on the road. Driving with a broken mirror is a safety hazard and may result in a traffic violation and fines.
In a vehicle
- Check your state's laws: Mirror laws vary by state, so it is best to check the specific requirements for your location.
- Maintain two working mirrors: Most states require at least two functional rear-view mirrors. This usually means the driver's side mirror and either the interior mirror or the passenger's side mirror must be working.
- Safety first: Even if it's technically legal to drive with one broken side mirror, it significantly impairs your vision and puts you and others at risk. It is safer to repair it as soon as possible.
- Avoid a ticket: You can be pulled over for a broken mirror, and the penalties can include fines.
- Secure the mirror: If you must drive with a broken side mirror, ensure the broken part is securely attached to the vehicle so it doesn't fall off.
In your home
- There are no laws against having a broken mirror in your house.
- Be careful when handling broken glass to avoid injury.
Can you still drive your car if the side mirror is broken?
You can tentatively drive with a broken side mirror, but it is unsafe and may be illegal depending on your location and which mirror is broken. It is best to check your local laws, but generally, you must have at least two working rear-facing mirrors. If your driver's side mirror is broken, it is often illegal and always more dangerous because you lose your primary line of sight for passing and lane changes.
This video explains the legal requirements for mirrors in vehicles: 55sThe Windscreen CompanyYouTube · Jan 22, 2025
Safety and legal considerations
- Driver's side mirror: This is the more critical mirror. If it is broken, you should not drive. Losing this view is significantly more dangerous, and many places consider it illegal.
- Passenger side mirror: It is often still legal to drive with a broken passenger side mirror, as long as your driver's side and rearview mirrors are functional. However, this is still unsafe, especially when merging or changing lanes, and you could be pulled over for it.
- Check local laws: Mirror laws vary by state, so it's essential to check your local regulations before driving.
- Get a "fix-it" ticket: If you are pulled over, you may receive a "fix-it ticket," which allows you to get the mirror repaired within a specific timeframe to avoid a penalty.
What to do in the short term
- Make sure it's secure: If the glass is cracked but the mirror is still attached, make sure the glass is stable to prevent it from falling out. You can use tape to hold cracked glass in place.
- Improvise a replacement: As a temporary solution, you can use a universal clip-on mirror or even a securely attached bicycle mirror.
- Get a replacement: Replace the broken glass or the entire mirror assembly as soon as possible.
Can you drive with just one side mirror?
Side mirrors are only required if the view from the center mirror is obstructed. Mirrors must have a view of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. California: If the vehicle is registered in this state then left side mirror is required and either a center mirror or right side mirror.
