Motorcycle mirrors - Legal requirement?

[TonyOut]

Are rear view mirrors needed by law on a 900CC motorbike?

Just fitted some Renthal superlows and the mirrors spoil the look

[Dwight VanDriver]

Reg 33 MV Con & Use Regs 1986

A two wheeled motor cycle with or without a sidecar attached.

No requirement for mirrors to be fitted.

The following requirement to be complied with by any mirrors fitted:

(a)Veh first used after 1.10.78, Item 2 of Annex1 EEC Directive 71/127, 79/795 or 80/780 or Annex II to EEC Directive 86/562 or 88/321 or Para 4 to 8 of ECE Reg 46.01 and Para 4 of this Reg (C & U):
(Chopped to refer to two wheelers
1. Mirror remains steady under driving conditions
2. If mirror less than 2m above road surface shall not project more than 20cm beyond overall width of vehicle
3, Capable of being adjusted by rider when in riding position
(b) In any other case - none.

learn (a) above by heart and if stopped repeat to impress BiB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DVD

[tonyout]

Thanks DVD. If I learn and quote A) I think I will get nicked for being a cocky know it all

[Eliminator]

Soooo....


2. If mirror less than 2m above road surface shall not project more than 20cm beyond overall width of vehicle


That's why on many bikes we have useless mirrors that only show the rider (who often protrudes more than 20cm from the vehicle). It's a legal requirement in the UK which ensures that you cant see a thing.

Arrive Alive should look into that

[icamm]

Also, alot of bike mirrors vibrate horribly so don't conform to part 1) even as new.

[Pigeon]

Eliminator said:

Soooo.... 2. If mirror less than 2m above road surface shall not project more than 20cm beyond overall width of vehicle That's why on many bikes we have useless mirrors that only show the rider (who often protrudes more than 20cm from the vehicle). It's a legal requirement in the UK which ensures that you cant see a thing. Arrive Alive should look into that

...so what happens if I put decent mirrors on, and measure the "overall width of the vehicle" between the outside edges of the mirrors?

Or extend the handlebars sideways, using lengths of bicycle inner tube inflated to make it keep its shape, and measure the "overall width of the vehicle" between the ends of the floppy extensions?