Can I drive with a broken driver side mirror?

Yes, Australian Vehicle Standards demand that you drive with a passenger side mirror at all times.

Having your passenger side mirror swiped or in some way damaged would have to be one of the most common risks of parking your car on the street. How many of us have made our way back to our car at some point, only to find that someone has done a dodgy and damaged the side mirror without leaving a note?

Since it’s not an uncommon occurrence and it can be such a pain to get fixed, it can be tempting to get on the road without both of your side mirrors in working order. But side mirrors are essential elements in the safe design of vehicles; without them, you can't see what's happening on either side of your car, and so having rearview and side mirrors is a legal requirement for every vehicle, according to the Australian Vehicle Standards.

According to the New South Wales Roads & Maritime Services demerits schedule, if you get on the road without a side mirror, you’re looking at a $112 fine for driving a vehicle that doesn’t comply with standards of roadworthiness.

In Victoria, as per VicRoads fines and penalties information, driving without a side mirror would put you at risk of getting pulled over for a similarly generic road rule; you can’t use a vehicle that’s unsafe or has been modified or doesn’t comply with standards of registration. But the penalties in Vic seem to be much higher, as the fine for this is $396.

According to the Queensland government’s demerit points schedule, you’re looking at a $130 fine and one demerit point if you drive, park or permit use of a vehicle that doesn’t comply with Australian vehicle standards.

The Australian Capital Territory government’s extensive traffic infringement document goes into more detail about all the different parts of a vehicle that can be non-compliant when it’s used - and the penalties associated with driving non-compliant vehicles. For driving without a passenger side mirror, you’re looking at a $193 fine in the ACT. The Tasmanian Transport’s traffic offences list also specifies that using or permitting use of a car that doesn’t meet the standards for driver viewing requirements will set you back a $198.75 fine. 

We couldn’t find any specific legislation for South Australia, Western Australia or the Northern Territory but since Australian Vehicle Standards require all cars to have passenger side mirrors in order to give drivers a safe view of their surroundings, it’s safe to assume that driving without a side mirror could get you into trouble. 

You should always consult your specific insurance agreement for insurance advice, but as a general guide, driving without a side mirror could definitely impact your insurance coverage. Any indication that you’ve been driving a car that isn’t considered safe or roadworthy could void your insurance agreement - regardless of whether those faults had a bearing on any accident you were involved in. 

This article is not intended as legal advice. You should check with your local road authority to verify the information written here.

Have you ever driven with your passenger side mirror missing? Let us know in the comments.

In order to drive safely, you must be able to see what’s behind and beside you. With side and rear-view mirrors on your vehicle, you have a good visual range while driving. But what happens if you have a broken mirror or a mirror is missing from your vehicle? Can you still legally drive?

The laws governing vehicle mirrors vary by state. Most states do require at least two mirrors that allow you to see behind you. If that’s true for your state, you can legally drive the vehicle as long as two of your three mirrors are intact. While it may not be illegal, a police officer can still pull you over if they notice you have a broken or missing mirror.

While you can legally drive a car with two mirrors, can you do so safely? It depends on which mirrors are intact. It’s hard, for example, to get a view of the traffic on the passenger side of the car from the driver’s side with no side-view mirror.

What car mirrors do for you 

Each of your vehicle’s mirrors serves to keep you safe by allowing you to see what’s behind you or on either side of you while you drive. There’s a reason the law requires them. The views they provide help you avoid any potential accidents.

Rear-view mirrors

The rear-view mirror is an adjustable convex mirror designed to let you see through the rear window of your vehicle. They are typically affixed inside the front windshield. They often feature day and night positions to cut the glare of bright headlights at night that can impede your vision. They allow you to see what’s behind you while keeping your attention on the road.

Side-view mirrors

Side-view mirrors are outside of the car, attached to the driver and passenger doors. These mirrors are vital in helping drivers see what’s behind and beside them as well as what’s beyond the driver’s peripheral vision. They can also help view what’s in blind spots.

These mirrors are adjustable, and many side mirrors are power mirrors. You can adjust power mirrors easily using a simple electronic switch. The side mirrors are far more likely to sustain damage, loosen, or accidentally break off the car over time.

Why it’s important to replace missing or broken mirrors

While you can drive with a broken or missing mirror, it doesn’t mean you should. Without all three mirrors in place and in good condition, you’re not as safe while you drive. The side mirrors are most valuable because they show what’s behind your vehicle as well as what’s on either side.

To be as safe as possible, repair or replace missing or broken mirrors ASAP. In many cases, the repair is simple. If just the glass is broken or missing, the replacement can be done quickly at a reasonable price. If the actual housing on a side-view mirror breaks, or the entire power window unit must be replaced, the repair may take more time and cost more. But it’s definitely worth the effort and expense.

Is it okay to drive with broken side mirror?

According to the New South Wales Roads & Maritime Services demerits schedule, if you get on the road without a side mirror, you're looking at a $112 fine for driving a vehicle that doesn't comply with standards of roadworthiness.

What happens if my side mirror breaks?

With a broken side view mirror, you cannot safely drive on the road; this makes mobile services crucial to the wellbeing of you and your vehicle. Don't leave this repair for another day; you can't drive your car safely when your mirrors are damaged.

Is it illegal to drive around without a side mirror?

The answer is yes. Driving is illegal if your car does not have two working mirrors, ensuring that one of them is on the driver's side. After all, it is dangerous to drive without side mirrors and safety equipment.

How much does it cost to fix a broken side mirror?

It will usually cost between $150 and $350 to replace a car side mirror. This price includes both the parts and the labor charges; if you choose to purchase the mirror alone and replace it yourself, the price will generally be between $35 and $90, depending on the make and model of your car.