Mirrors, changes to increase field of vision

2007 legislation changes

Mirrors, changes to increase field of vision

All vehicles in the categories N2 (vehicles within 3.5 – 12t GVW) & N3 (vehicles exceeding 12t GVW) first registered after 26th January 2007 are required to have 2 supplementary mirrors fitted. One must give a view across the front of the vehicle and a second wide angle mirror on the OS. In reality most vehicle manufacturers introduced the “front vision” type of mirror as an option from 2005 – 2006 built vehicles. In addition the “field of view” from the 2 wide angle mirrors has also been increased.

The mirror directive has been enhanced because every year it is estimated 400 EU citizens lose their lives in incidents caused by commercial vehicle blind spots.

Customer impact

The “front vision” mirrors do not infringe on the drivers forward view as they are mounted as high as possible to give the best achievable view of the area directly in front of the vehicle. On tractor units they can be partially hidden under a front sun visor but on smaller vehicles they are to be found on stalks extending forward mounted from the roof of the cab.

Of greater impact to the operator is the debate currently taking place within the EU to make these mirrors a retrospective fitment. Retrospective fitment would involve approximately 4 million vehicles. The cost is likely to vary considerably from vehicle to vehicle dependant on whether there is a mounting point built in or if existing mountings can accommodate the extra mirrors.