Towing mirrors come in a variety of types. They all share a common purpose – to extend the driver’s field of view while towing. However, one question you could find yourself asking is “Are towing mirrors a legal requirement?”.
It’s a question you could be asking, especially if you’re new to caravanning. The best caravan towing mirrors will play an important part in helping you safely reach your touring destination. But are they a legal requirement? Yes and no.
Strictly speaking, there’s no blanket law that mandates the use of extension mirrors while towing a caravan or trailer. However, it is a legal requirement that the driver is able to see 20 metres behind them and four metres to the side of their caravan or trailer while towing.
With almost all car and caravan combinations, it’s not possible to achieve this requirement without an extension mirror. So in effect, towing mirrors are needed to meet the legal requirement for a clear view behind the driver and to the side of the caravan.
Someone towing a very small caravan or a trailer tent behind a wide car might be able to see well enough to tow without extension mirrors, but the vast majority of caravanners will need them.
The next time you are driving on the motorway, and you spot a car and caravan being driven without towing mirrors fitted, notice how close you get to the outfit before you can see the tow car’s wing mirrors. It’s a reminder of how poor the rearward visibility is for drivers who don’t fit towing mirrors.
Can drivers be fined for driving without towing mirrors?
Short answer – yes. Anyone towing without an adequate view of the road behind them can be fined up to £1000 and have three penalty points on their licence.
The verdict on towing mirrors and the law
Towing mirrors are almost always going to be required to ensure you stay safe and legal on the road and have an appropriate, clear view when you’re towing your tourer. Compared to a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on the licence, they suddenly seem like very good value, too!
Don’t miss my advice on “how many towing mirrors do I actually need?“, either.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. Check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.
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