Who invented the rear-view mirror?
There is no single inventor; the rear-view mirror emerged from multiple inventors and patents in the early 20th century.
Origins and early efforts
The idea of reflecting surfaces to help drivers monitor traffic behind a vehicle appeared in the broader infancy of motorized transport. In the first decades of the 1900s, several engineers and manufacturers pursued mirror-based solutions, with designs that varied from exterior side mirrors to interior mirrors mounted inside the windshield. Patent activity from this era shows a clear interest in improving rear visibility, but there was no universally adopted format or standard at the time.
Attribution and debate
In popular histories, one name sometimes surfaces as an early contributor to interior rear-view visibility, but historians emphasize that attribution is contested. Multiple inventors and automotive companies filed patents and developed competing concepts, which over time were refined and standardized by the industry. The result is a history of cumulative improvement rather than a single, undisputed inventor.
Evolution and modern practice
Throughout the 20th century, mirrors on cars became more versatile—adjustable mounts, frameless designs, and day/night functionality—before evolving into the modern mix of interior rear-view mirrors and exterior side mirrors. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, features such as auto-dimming and integrated electronics enhanced visibility. Today, digital technologies have expanded rear visibility beyond mirrors: backup cameras and display screens are now common in new vehicles. In the United States, federal safety rules mandate backup cameras in most new passenger vehicles for the model year 2018 and later, underscoring how the concept continues to evolve in safety regulations worldwide.
Summary
Ultimately, the rear-view mirror reflects a collaborative evolution rather than a single invention. The feature emerged from a constellation of ideas, patents, and innovations across decades, and today it coexists with advanced camera-based systems as automakers strive to maximize rear visibility and safety.
