IM 22: Understanding Driver's Indirect Vision Devices

In the intricate world of vehicle maintenance and road safety, staying abreast of the latest regulations is paramount for every driver and operator, especially those managing Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) plays a pivotal role in setting these standards, with their 'Categorisation of Defects in Roadside Checks and Vehicle Tests' (CDRV) serving as an indispensable guide. Among the revisions introduced in November 2019, a particular focus was placed on 'Indirect Vision Devices', specifically detailed under 'IM 22 – Driver’s Mirrors'. This section is not merely about having mirrors; it delves into the precise requirements for ensuring a driver has an adequate and unimpeded view of their surroundings, directly impacting road safety and compliance.

Understanding IM 22 is crucial because non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including Immediate Prohibition or Delayed Prohibition of a vehicle. These prohibitions mean your vehicle cannot be driven until the defect is rectified, leading to significant operational delays and potential fines. The guidance outlines clear actions for when a roadworthiness defect is identified, ensuring that both operator licence holders and drivers are fully aware of the expected standards.

What Exactly is IM 22 and Why Does it Matter?

IM 22 specifically addresses the condition and presence of a vehicle's indirect vision devices, which are essential for a driver to observe areas around the vehicle that cannot be seen by direct vision. These devices can include traditional mirrors, camera-monitor systems, or other technological aids, but explicitly exclude periscopes. The core principle is clear: if these devices fail to provide an adequate view, or if they pose a direct hazard, the vehicle is deemed unroadworthy.

Key Defects and Their Consequences:

• External Mandatory Mirror/Device Missing: If an external mandatory mirror, its glass, or any other external indirect vision device is missing, and it results in no adequate view to the rear, side, or front as required, this will lead to an Immediate Prohibition. This means the vehicle is instantly taken off the road.
• External Mandatory Mirror/Device Insecure/Damaged/View Obscured: Should an external mandatory mirror or device be insecure, damaged, or its view obscured (meaning the view is so restricted it doesn't help the driver become aware of traffic), and this again results in no adequate view, or if the mirror is likely to become detached, an Immediate Prohibition will be issued.
• Interior Rear View Mirror Missing/Defective/Insecure: An interior rear-view mirror that is missing, defective, or insecure can also lead to serious issues. If it is likely to become detached and fall onto the driver or occupants, it triggers an Immediate Prohibition. However, if it is simply missing or unusable, but the vehicle *does* have an external rear-view mirror on the nearside, it might result in a Delayed Prohibition. This distinction is vital: a delayed prohibition allows the vehicle to continue its journey but requires the defect to be fixed within a specified timeframe.

The severity of these prohibitions underscores the DVSA's commitment to road safety. Ensuring all mirrors and indirect vision devices are correctly fitted, secure, undamaged, and provide a clear view is not just a regulatory obligation; it's a fundamental aspect of safe driving.

Detailed Requirements for HGVs: A Historical Perspective

The requirements for mirrors and indirect vision devices on HGVs are complex and depend significantly on the vehicle's first registration date and its Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW). This tiered approach ensures that older vehicles are held to the standards applicable at their time of manufacture, while newer vehicles incorporate more advanced safety features.

HGV Mirror Requirements by First Use Date:

These specific requirements are designed to eliminate blind spots, particularly for larger vehicles navigating busy urban environments. The addition of wide-angle, close-proximity, and front mirrors significantly enhances a driver's peripheral vision, contributing directly to accident prevention and overall roadworthiness.

Understanding Key Definitions and Exemptions

The CDRV guidance also provides crucial definitions and notes on specific scenarios:

• Indirect Vision Device: As defined in Note 8, an 'indirect vision device' is any means to observe the traffic area adjacent to the vehicle that cannot be seen by direct vision. This includes mirrors, camera-monitor systems, or other devices capable of presenting information about the indirect field of vision to the driver. Periscopes are specifically excluded. Note 4 clarifies that an indirect vision device can be accepted in place of any mirror.
• Obscured View: Note 5 defines 'obscured' as a view from the mirror being restricted to such an extent that it does not assist the driver in becoming aware of traffic. This is critical – a mirror might be present but functionally useless if its view is blocked or unclear.
• Left-Hand Drive (LHD) Vehicles: Note 7 provides an important clarification for LHD vehicles: for inspection purposes, the nearside is at the right, and the offside is at the left. This ensures consistency in applying the rules regardless of the vehicle's steering configuration.
• Agricultural Vehicles: Note 3 offers exemptions for certain agricultural vehicles. Mirrors are not required on agricultural vehicles driven at no more than 20 mph, or any agricultural vehicle first used before 1 June 1986.
• London Safe Lorry Scheme: Note 6 mentions the London Safe Lorry Scheme Traffic Order GLA 2015 No:11. Vehicles brought into scope by this order are required to be fitted with Class V and Class VI mirrors where they can practically be fitted. While the document doesn't define these classes, they refer to specific types of wide-angle and close-proximity mirrors designed to reduce blind spots, particularly crucial for urban operations.

Maintaining Compliance: Practical Steps for Drivers and Operators

Adhering to IM 22 is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-off check. Regular maintenance and pre-journey inspections are vital. Here’s how to ensure continued compliance:

• Daily Vehicle Checks (Walk-Around Checks): Before starting any journey, drivers must conduct a thorough walk-around check. This includes verifying that all mandatory mirrors and indirect vision devices are present, clean, secure, and undamaged. Pay close attention to cracks, loose fittings, or obstructions that could impair the view.
• Adjustments: Ensure mirrors are correctly adjusted for the driver's seating position to provide the widest possible view.
• Cleaning: Keep mirrors and camera lenses clean. Dirt, grime, ice, or snow can obscure the view just as effectively as damage.
• Prompt Repairs: Any identified defect, no matter how minor it seems, should be reported immediately and rectified promptly. Waiting can lead to an unexpected prohibition during a roadside check.
• Understanding Vehicle-Specific Requirements: Drivers and operators must be fully aware of the specific mirror requirements for each vehicle in their fleet, based on its age, type, and DGVW, as detailed in the table above.
• Training: Ensure drivers are trained not only on how to check mirrors but also on the importance of these devices for safe operation and how to interpret the views they provide effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the primary purpose of IM 22?

IM 22 outlines the DVSA's categorisation of defects related to a vehicle's mirrors and indirect vision devices. Its primary purpose is to ensure that drivers have adequate visibility to safely operate their vehicles by setting clear standards for the presence, condition, and functionality of these essential safety components.

Q2: What is the difference between an 'Immediate Prohibition' and a 'Delayed Prohibition'?

An Immediate Prohibition means the vehicle is deemed too dangerous or unroadworthy to continue its journey and must be taken off the road immediately until the defect is fixed. A Delayed Prohibition means the vehicle can continue its journey, but the defect must be rectified within a specified timeframe (e.g., 7 or 14 days), after which the vehicle must be re-inspected or evidence of repair provided.

Q3: Can a camera system replace traditional mirrors?

Yes, according to Note 4 and Note 8, an 'indirect vision device' may be accepted in place of any mirror. This includes camera-monitor systems, provided they effectively present information about the indirect field of vision to the driver, equivalent to or better than a traditional mirror, and meet relevant approval standards.

Q4: My HGV was first used in 1995 and weighs 15 tonnes. What mirrors do I need?

Based on the table, for rigid or articulated HGVs first used on or after 1 October 1988 and exceeding 12 tonnes DGVW, you would require an exterior mirror on each side, plus one close proximity mirror on the nearside, and one wide angle mirror on the nearside.

Q5: Are agricultural vehicles completely exempt from mirror requirements?

Not entirely. Agricultural vehicles are exempt from mandatory mirror requirements only if they are driven at no more than 20 mph, or if they were first used before 1 June 1986. If they exceed 20 mph or were first used after this date, they would generally be subject to standard mirror requirements.

Q6: What does 'obscured' view mean for a mirror?

As per Note 5, an 'obscured' view means that the view from the mirror is restricted to such an extent that it does not assist the driver in becoming aware of traffic. This could be due to dirt, cracks, condensation, or any physical obstruction preventing a clear, useful view.

Conclusion

The DVSA's IM 22 guidance on indirect vision devices and mirrors is a cornerstone of vehicle roadworthiness and safety in the UK. For operators and drivers alike, a thorough understanding of these regulations is not optional but essential. From specific historical requirements for HGVs to the nuances of 'Immediate' versus 'Delayed' prohibitions, every detail contributes to ensuring vehicles on our roads are safe for everyone. Regular checks, prompt repairs, and continuous awareness of the evolving standards are the keys to maintaining compliance and, more importantly, to preventing accidents caused by inadequate visibility. Stay diligent, keep those mirrors clear, and ensure your vehicle always meets the mark.

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