Illegal/legal wing mirror question

[SmilerFTM]

Parked up last night when out and about and came back to my car to find someone has snapped off the drivers side wing mirror on my car. I've ordered a replacement online but it will take a while for me to get it. Can I still use my car without it? I know it'll fail an mot but I'm unsure how the law stands with using the car in the meantime whilst waiting for the new mirror

[TA14]

I always thought that you had to have two rear facing mirrors and a quick check on-line confirms this. Unfortunately for you there seems to be some confusion as to whether one has to be the driver's wing/door mirror and the regs appear to be clear as mud.

[TA14]

This appears to suggest that you're OK: http://www.ukmot.com/6-6.asp

[SmilerFTM]

Yeah I was getting conflicting info when doing searches. Problem is I work 12 miles away from home and can't afford to be paying taxis there and back, plus I work shifts which means using public buses is nigh on impossible

[callmedave]

Some cars did only have one wing mirror as standard, (nearside i think)

In this state, it would be ok as no equipment is missing from the car.

If you get pulled over for no wing mirror i would explain that it got knocked off, one is on order and ask them to investigate criminal damage to your personal property (they wont want to do this and be happy to send you on your way)

As long as your polite and courteous im sure they would be ok about it.

(im not a police officer or any way connected to 'the force')

[CoolHands]

unless you live in the happy world of Heartbeat, who the hell is going to give a st? The one copper a week you see passing the other way on his way to a domestic? I don't think so.

[TA14]

callmedave said:

Some cars did only have one wing mirror as standard, (nearside i think)

Pre 1978 is easy: you need one mirror and that can be in any location. I have a car that only had an interior mirror as standard, ie no wing or door mirrors. This probably won't help the OP though.

[tannedstamina]

Can't you tape it back on? I did a bodge job a few years ago on a car and it lasted until I sold it!

[Cliftonite]

TA14 said:

Pre 1978 is easy: you need one mirror and that can be in any location. I have a car that only had an interior mirror as standard, ie no wing or door mirrors. This probably won't help the OP though.

When did you last see a car with a wing mirror?

[SmilerFTM]

tannedstamina said:

Can't you tape it back on? I did a bodge job a few years ago on a car and it lasted until I sold it!

Tried that but the internal part which has snapped won't twist back to the correct position pointing the mirror to the floor. I'm just going to drive it, as someone said how many policemen are actually going to give two hoots or even notice for matter.