03/11/2023
When it comes to vehicle safety and roadworthiness, few components are as critical as your car's mirrors. They are your eyes to the world behind and beside you, providing vital information for every manoeuvre, lane change, and hazard avoidance. Given their undeniable importance, it should come as no surprise that mirrors are a fundamental part of the annual MOT inspection in the UK. Many drivers, however, are often unclear about the specific requirements and common pitfalls that can lead to an unexpected MOT failure. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about your car's mirrors and the MOT, ensuring you're well-prepared for your vehicle's annual check-up.
Understanding the MOT's strict criteria for mirrors is not just about passing an inspection; it's about ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road. An obscured or non-functional mirror can create dangerous blind spots, making simple actions like changing lanes fraught with risk. So, let's explore what the MOT test demands from your mirrors and how you can ensure they meet the grade.
The MOT and Your Mirrors: A Critical Check
The MOT test assesses various aspects of your vehicle to ensure it meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. Mirrors, being integral to a driver's perception and control, are thoroughly scrutinised. The inspector will check not only the presence of the mirrors but also their condition, security, and functionality. This includes both your internal rearview mirror and your external wing mirrors.
The primary concern during this assessment is the driver's view of the road. This extends beyond just the mirrors to include the windscreen and wipers, all working in conjunction to provide the driver with a clear and unobstructed view of their surroundings. Any defect that compromises this view can lead to a failure, highlighting just how crucial these often-overlooked components are.
Mandatory Mirror Requirements for an MOT Pass
To successfully pass your MOT, your vehicle's mirrors must adhere to several key requirements. These are designed to ensure maximum visibility and operational reliability for the driver.
1. Secure Mounting
One of the most fundamental requirements is that all mirrors must be securely attached to the vehicle. A loose or wobbly mirror can vibrate, making it difficult to discern objects clearly, or worse, detach entirely while driving. The MOT inspector will physically check that your mirrors are firmly affixed and show no signs of excessive movement. If your mirror has recently taken a knock or had its glass replaced, it's particularly important to double-check its security.
2. Adequate Field of View
Mirrors must provide an adequate view of the rear and side of the vehicle. This means they should be positioned and sized appropriately to minimise blind spots and allow the driver to see traffic approaching from behind and to the sides. While the exact positioning can vary slightly to suit individual drivers, the mirror itself must be capable of providing this essential field of view when correctly adjusted.
3. Intact and Functional Glass
The mirror glass itself must be intact and provide a clear, undistorted reflection. Significant cracks, chips, or discolouration that impair the view will result in an MOT failure. The mirror surface should also not be excessively tinted or otherwise altered in a way that reduces its effectiveness. For wing mirrors, the glass must also be firmly held within its housing.
Do Wing Mirrors Need to Match for an MOT?
This is a common question, especially for cars that have had multiple owners or previous repairs. The good news is that for an MOT, your wing mirrors do not necessarily have to be an identical model or match aesthetically. The critical factor is their functionality and their ability to provide an adequate view. If your driver's side wing mirror is a different model from the passenger's side, but both have intact glass and are fully operational (e.g., manually adjustable via an internal toggle switch, as you described), then they should pass the MOT. The test focuses on safety and functionality, not cosmetic uniformity. As long as both mirrors are secure and offer clear, sufficient rear and side visibility, their differing appearances should not be an issue for the MOT.
Common Mirror Issues That Lead to MOT Failure
While the requirements seem straightforward, several common issues can cause your car to fail its MOT due to mirror defects. Being aware of these can help you perform a pre-MOT check and rectify any problems.
1. Loose or Unsecured Mirrors
As mentioned, a mirror that isn't firmly attached is a direct safety hazard and an MOT fail. Vibrations can make the view unclear, and there's a risk of the mirror falling off. Chris Jevons, Commercial Director at JTAPE, highlights that "Unsecured, broken or improperly adjusted car mirrors can not only make it difficult for drivers to see their blind spots properly, but they can also lead to other dangers and MOT failure in some cases." He recommends checking your mirrors every few months, especially if they might have been hit. For a temporary fix to secure a loose mirror before a proper repair, strong mounting tape can sometimes be used, but a permanent repair is always the best solution.
2. Damaged or Obscured Glass
Any damage to the mirror glass that impairs the driver's view will lead to a failure. This includes large cracks, significant chips, or even a missing piece of glass. If the mirror surface is obscured by excessive tinting or a non-reflective coating, this will also result in a fail. The mirror must provide a clear and usable reflection.
3. Non-Functional Adjustment Mechanisms
While the MOT won't fail you for having your mirrors improperly adjusted for your personal driving position, it will fail you if the mechanisms for adjusting them are broken. If the manual toggle switch or electric motor that controls the mirror's position doesn't work, it means the mirror cannot be set to provide maximum visibility. This is particularly dangerous when performing critical manoeuvres like changing lanes or navigating corners, as the driver might not be able to get the necessary field of view.
4. Faulty Integrated Indicator Lights
Many modern cars have indicator lights integrated into the wing mirrors. If your car is fitted with these, they must be fully functional. An indicator light that continuously flashes, doesn't flash at all, or flashes inconsistently can mislead other drivers about your intentions, posing a significant hazard. "If your car has mirror indicator lights, these must be functioning properly otherwise you could fail an MOT," warns Chris. You can easily check these yourself by parking your car and observing their reflection when you activate your indicators.
Pre-MOT Mirror Checklist
Before your MOT appointment, take a few minutes to perform a quick check of your mirrors. This simple routine can save you the hassle and cost of a re-test.
- Check Security: Gently push on each mirror. Does it feel firm and secure, or does it wobble excessively?
- Inspect Glass: Look closely at the mirror glass for any cracks, chips, or discolouration that might obscure your view. Ensure it's clean.
- Test Adjustment: For manual mirrors, operate the internal toggle switch. Does the mirror move smoothly and hold its position? For electric mirrors, use the control panel to move the mirror through its full range of motion. Does it respond correctly?
- Verify Indicator Lights (if applicable): Turn on your hazard lights or indicators. Walk around the car and check if the mirror-integrated lights are flashing correctly and consistently.
- Rearview Mirror: Ensure your internal rearview mirror is firmly attached to the windscreen or roof lining and that its glass is intact and clear.
Understanding Mirror Defects: Pass vs. Fail Scenarios
To clarify what constitutes a pass or a fail, here's a table outlining common mirror issues and their likely MOT outcome:
| Mirror Defect | Potential MOT Outcome | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Wing mirror missing | Fail | A mandatory mirror is absent, significantly compromising rear/side visibility. |
| Rearview mirror missing | Fail | A mandatory mirror is absent, significantly compromising rear visibility. |
| Wing mirror loose/wobbly | Fail | Not securely attached; compromises clear view and poses a detachment risk. |
| Cracked mirror glass (significant) | Fail | If the crack obscures the driver's view or is extensive, it will fail. Minor chips outside the critical viewing area *might* pass, but it's risky. |
| Cracked mirror glass (minor, non-obscuring) | Advisory or Pass | If the crack is very small and does not impede the view, it might pass with an advisory note, but it's best to repair it. |
| Mirror adjustment mechanism broken | Fail | If the mirror cannot be adjusted to provide an adequate view, it fails. |
| Mirror indicator light not working (when fitted) | Fail | All mandatory lights must function correctly. A non-functional indicator is a fail. |
| Mirror indicator light flashing continuously (when fitted) | Fail | Misleading to other road users, indicating a malfunction. |
| Different model wing mirrors, but fully functional | Pass | Aesthetics are not an MOT concern; functionality and adequate view are key. |
| Dirty mirror | Pass | Not an MOT fail, but you should clean them for optimal visibility. |
The Dangers of Driving with Faulty Mirrors
Beyond the MOT, driving with faulty mirrors is inherently dangerous. Blind spots become larger and more perilous, making it incredibly difficult to safely change lanes, merge onto motorways, or even reverse out of a parking space. Accidents caused by inadequate visibility are entirely preventable. Investing in timely repairs or replacements for your mirrors is not just about passing an inspection; it's about safeguarding your life and the lives of others.
As Chris Jevons notes, "To make sure you avoid these mistakes when driving and do your bit to keep you and other drivers safe, here are some of the most common car mirror mishaps to watch out for." By taking proactive steps to check and maintain your mirrors, you contribute significantly to road safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I drive without a wing mirror in the UK?
A: No. It is illegal to drive without the necessary mirrors. Most modern cars require at least two functional mirrors: the driver's side wing mirror and the internal rearview mirror, or the driver's side and passenger's side wing mirrors if the internal mirror is obscured (e.g., by cargo). Driving without them is dangerous and can result in points on your licence and a fine.
Q: Is a cracked mirror an MOT fail?
A: Yes, if the crack significantly obscures the driver's view or is large enough to be considered a safety hazard (e.g., sharp edges). Minor, non-obscuring chips or cracks outside the critical viewing area might pass with an advisory, but it's always best to replace damaged mirror glass to ensure optimal visibility and avoid any doubt.
Q: Do electric mirrors need to work for MOT?
A: Yes. If your car is fitted with electric mirrors, their adjustment mechanisms must be fully functional. If the electric motor fails and the mirror cannot be adjusted, or if it moves erratically, it will be an MOT failure. The mirror must be adjustable to provide an adequate field of view.
Q: What if my car only has one wing mirror? (e.g., older vehicles)
A: For vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1978, two mirrors are generally required: one on the offside (driver's side) and either one on the nearside (passenger side) or an interior mirror. If your vehicle was manufactured before this date, it may have been originally fitted with only one external mirror (offside) and an internal rearview mirror. In such cases, the MOT will check what was originally fitted and ensure it is present and functional. However, for most modern vehicles, both wing mirrors are expected to be present and functional.
Q: Does a missing rearview mirror fail MOT?
A: Yes, generally. The internal rearview mirror is a mandatory requirement for most vehicles. If it is missing or severely damaged to the point of being unusable, it will result in an MOT failure. Its purpose is to provide a clear view of the rear of the vehicle, particularly for judging distances and traffic behind you.
Q: Can I use tape to fix a cracked mirror for the MOT?
A: No. While strong mounting tape might temporarily secure a very loose mirror, it is not a suitable permanent repair for cracked or broken glass. An MOT inspector will fail a mirror with tape over a crack as it compromises the clarity of the reflection and is not a proper repair. The glass must be replaced.
Conclusion
Your car's mirrors are more than just reflective surfaces; they are vital safety components that contribute significantly to your awareness and control on the road. The MOT test rigorously checks these components to ensure they meet the necessary standards for functionality and security. By understanding the requirements – that mirrors must be secure, provide an adequate view, have intact glass, and that any integrated features like indicator lights are working – you can confidently prepare your vehicle for its inspection.
Don't wait until your MOT date to discover a mirror fault. Regular checks, especially before your annual test, can identify issues early, allowing you to address them promptly and avoid the inconvenience and cost of an MOT re-test. Prioritising the condition of your mirrors is a simple yet effective way to ensure a smooth MOT pass and, more importantly, safer journeys for you and everyone else on the road.
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