Texas people enter please

[bigwheel15]

Okay so to get to the point, my truck has shaved mirrors on both doors but I have a rear view mirror still. Ive had it like this for about 8 months and havent a problem until this past friday. I was pulled over and issued a ticket for failing to meet DOT regulations. Now I was under the impression that in the state of texas you only had to have one mirror (my case the rear view) and be able to see 500 feet behind you. I know this is the case when taking your vehicle in for inspection.

So my question is does anyone know the law regarding mirrors or at least be able to point me in the right direction?

[bikes&bowties]

go to your local DOT office?

[bigwheel15]

Who would be best to contact there? The drivers license office, vehicle registration office?

[westie 666]

there was a thread not long ago on this issue, try a search

[silvereagle07]

Check this out. It may answer your question.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/insp...ejectsubmit=Go

[BigBlocksRule]

Take it to an inspection station and see what they say about the rules. IIRC, you don't have to have the windshield mirror but you do need at least one door mirror, maybe both. Find some small chrome ones or some cool shaped small ones that'll fit and look good. That's what I have planned for my prostreet truck, the big clunky mirrors are great for visibility but it's hard to make 'em look good...or smaller.
I can appreciate the shaved doors, but if you ever haul anything that blocks the view out of your back window, you're driving blind-to-the-rear.

[gchemist]

A driver side and rear view mirrors are required.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[bigd65]

Originally Posted by gchemist

A driver side and rear view mirrors are required.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

What he said, and Im a COP

[72lb4x4]

Originally Posted by bigd65

What he said, and Im a COP

Without proof such as a reference to the code/law, you're just someone with an opinion who happens to be a COP.

[timjt]

Originally Posted by bigd65

What he said, and Im a COP

lol, if the cop will ticket you, then you have your answer. Same goes with the DMV, they are only human and will give you the answer they know. So do you go with the super obscure written law or the daily enforced law? and is that even a bad thing? we got so many laws now that no one can know all of them....

[allengator]

Originally Posted by timjt

lol, if the cop will ticket you, then you have your answer. Same goes with the DMV, they are only human and will give you the answer they know. So do you go with the super obscure written law or the daily enforced law? and is that even a bad thing? we got so many laws now that no one can know all of them....

If that were true, tickets would never get dismissed.
One of my best friends got a ticket in his 1951 Chevy because he only had ONE brake light ... Guess what? Only came with one from the factory, therefore not required. Ticket dismissed.

Just because a cop writes a ticket, doesnt mean its correct.

[Tx Firefighter]

The law says you have to have two rear view mirrors. Either one on each door or one on a door and one on the windshield.

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

The law says you have to have two rear view mirrors. Either one on each door or one on a door and one on the windshield.

Same here in Oklahoma. Now the only issue is enforcing it. Some officers do, and some don't. It's kind of a shot in the dark.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by bigwheel15

Now I was under the impression that in the state of texas you only had to have one mirror (my case the rear view) and be able to see 500 feet behind you.

This is my understanding too after reading the inspection criteria on the TxDOT website. But it goes farther than just having a mirror... it must be solidly mounted, not cracked or peeling, be easily adjustable, and offer a clear and unobstructed view of at least 200 feet.

Now that last part is a bit subjective. Things like window tint, the frame of a sliding rear window, or a gunrack could reduce or obstruct the rearward view. And of course any load in the bed of the truck that is above the sightline would obstruct the view on a temporary basis.

So I am guessing there is either some circumstantial information you are not revealing, or the scenario in which you were pulled over and cited is supect. I doubt an officer would pull you over just for not having a exterior mirror. Perhaps he saw you do something while driving that caused him to feel you could not see the cars behind you??? Is this the only citation you received, or were there multiple?

[allengator]

According to the following only ONE is required.
Fight the ticket.





Inspection/Rejection Criteria

20.19 Mirror. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such motor vehicle.

1. Inspection Procedure

a. Inspect only one mirror.

1) Exterior Rearview Mirror: From the driver’s position, visually inspect exterior mirror for a clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear. Look for correct location and stable mounting.

2) Interior Rearview Mirror: From the driver’s position, visually inspect interior mirror for proper mounting, location, cracks, sharp edges, and ease of adjustment.

2. Inspect for and reject if:

a. Mirror does not provide the driver with a clear view to the rear of 200 feet.

b. Vehicle is not equipped with at least one mirror.

c. Mirror offers unsafe interference with driver’s forward vision.

d. Reflective surface of mirror is cracked, broken, peeled, tarnished, or has sharp edges.

e. Mirror is not mounted securely to prevent swing or excessive vibration unless the vehicle is equipped with another mirror which meets requirements.

NOTE: An inside mirror would meet all the above requirements. If the vehicle is equipped with more than one mirror, only one, either inside or outside, needs to meet all requirements.

[rogergodding]

Originally Posted by allengator

According to the following only ONE is required.
Fight the ticket.





Inspection/Rejection Criteria

20.19 Mirror. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such motor vehicle.

1. Inspection Procedure

a. Inspect only one mirror.

1) Exterior Rearview Mirror: From the driver’s position, visually inspect exterior mirror for a clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear. Look for correct location and stable mounting.

2) Interior Rearview Mirror: From the driver’s position, visually inspect interior mirror for proper mounting, location, cracks, sharp edges, and ease of adjustment.

2. Inspect for and reject if:

a. Mirror does not provide the driver with a clear view to the rear of 200 feet.

b. Vehicle is not equipped with at least one mirror.

c. Mirror offers unsafe interference with driver’s forward vision.

d. Reflective surface of mirror is cracked, broken, peeled, tarnished, or has sharp edges.

e. Mirror is not mounted securely to prevent swing or excessive vibration unless the vehicle is equipped with another mirror which meets requirements.

NOTE: An inside mirror would meet all the above requirements. If the vehicle is equipped with more than one mirror, only one, either inside or outside, needs to meet all requirements.

It is spelled out pretty clearly above.... and, I have had just the rear view mirror on mine since 98 with no problems with inspections or cops....... fight it.

[allengator]

Nice avatar Roger!

[Silence86]

where abouts in ft worth did you get pulled over? ive driven all arround ft worth and never been pulled over.... and you go to tcc the one closest to azle?

[allengator]

My question is....
How old are you?

Sounds like the classic "@#$%@ with the kid in the truck" BS.

By no means am I anti cop (I'm a former fireman) but we all know there are a few jerks out there that mess with people for no good reason.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by allengator

My question is....
How old are you?

Sounds like the classic "@#$%@ with the kid in the truck" BS.

By no means am I anti cop (I'm a former fireman) but we all know there are a few jerks out there that mess with people for no good reason.

Where did you do your fireman work at ?

[allengator]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Where did you do your fireman work at ?

I used to volunteer at Tarrant Co #26... aka Rendon

[dv8customs]

Inspection law and traffic law are not necessarily the same.

[allengator]

Originally Posted by dv8customs

Inspection law and traffic law are not necessarily the same.

In this case it would be. Your inspection certification verifies that "at the time issued" your vehicle met the necessary requirements for use on Texas roads.

[barry h.]

i would take a copy of the state inspection requirements and a picture of your truck and see the judge.

[dv8customs]

From the Texas Transportation Code

Sec. 547.602. MIRRORS REQUIRED. A motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle used to tow another vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.


Looks like you are off the hook on this one.