Regulations on the use of road safety and surveillance mirrors

Safety mirrors must comply with a mandatory Spanish regulation. It includes their proper installation and use. There are many models of these products available in the market with a wide range of optics, but the law does not regulate the technique or materials used, but rather the functionality. For those used for road safety, there are multi-purpose traffic mirrors, anti-frost mirrors, those with added motors, or multiple control mirrors. On the other hand, for surveillance, it is common to use concave mirrors and convex mirrors. In an industrial setting, mirrors for construction in various directions are used.

Regulations governing the use of safety road mirrors

All vehicles are required to have at least two rearview mirrors. In vehicles with four or more wheels, there should be three: center, left side mirror, and right side mirror. Their number and characteristics are regulated by law. In Spain, the official regulations regarding the application, functionality, use, and installation of mirrors for road safety are governed by the Ministry of the Interior. This is outlined in the General Drivers' Regulations, which are detailed in Royal Decree 818/2009, dated May 8. These are all the specific sections in the Spanish national regulations related to mirrors:

Section 2. Tests to verify the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to drive motor vehicles and mopeds. Vehicles to be used in the tests. Article 61 refers to adapted vehicles and states: Adapted vehicles to be used in learning and in the performance of aptitude and behavior control tests on roads open to general traffic to obtain the relevant driving permit or license subject to restrictive conditions, shall be equipped with two interior rearview mirrors and two exterior mirrors, one on each side, and dual brake and accelerator controls, and, if possible, a clutch.
In ANNEX IV, regarding the psychophysical aptitudes required to obtain or renew the validity of a driving permit or license, there is a section related to adaptations, restrictions, and other limitations on individuals, vehicles, or traffic under permits or licenses subject to restrictive conditions. Concerning visual capacity, it states: When, due to the degree of visual acuity or the presence of a progressive eye disease, periodic examinations are required for a period shorter than the normal validity period of the permit or license, the validity period will be determined based on medical criteria. Exterior rearview mirror on both sides of the vehicle and a panoramic interior mirror or, if necessary, an adapted rearview mirror.
Similar to the previous regulation but related to auditory capacity, the Regulation states: Individuals with hearing loss exceeding 45% (with or without a hearing aid) must have exterior rearview mirrors on both sides of the vehicle and a panoramic interior mirror.
Regarding aptitude and behavior control tests on closed circuits and on roads open to general traffic, when the maximum slope is 10%, it mentions: J) The applicant, traveling at a speed not less than 30 kilometers per hour, will stop the vehicle at the examiner's command, using, if necessary, the maximum braking capacity of the vehicle. The applicant will verify through the rearview mirrors that the stop can be made safely, maintain the vehicle's trajectory, and immobilize it without stalling the engine.
It is worth noting the regulation regarding observation capacity: panoramic observation; correct use of mirrors; long, medium, and short-range vision. Even the essential importance of mirrors for e) Merging into traffic: observation, signaling, and execution.
At the beginning of ANNEX VII, regarding the vehicles to be used in aptitude and behavior control tests, and as a general requirement, Article 2 states literally: «2. Motorcycles and mopeds shall be equipped with two rearview mirrors, one on each side.»
Article 3 adds: Except for agricultural tractors, light quadricycles, and trailers, they shall be equipped with two exterior rearview mirrors on each side, and two interior rearview mirrors, so that the applicant and the instructor or companion have independent mirrors to observe traffic. Interior rearview mirrors may be omitted in trucks and tractor-trailers.
The Regulation further states: Buses must also be equipped with an interior rearview mirror that allows the applicant to observe and control the opening and closing of the doors from their seat. The exterior rearview mirrors of buses, trucks, and tractor-trailers must be arranged or supplemented in a way that allows examiners to observe approaching traffic from both sides of the vehicle.
The last citation in the Regulation regarding the use of mirrors also refers to safety. Specifically, in aptitude and behavior control tests. In ANNEX VII, section 7, it states: «For a class B + E permit, a set consisting of a passenger car meeting the specifications in number 5, or a mixed vehicle or a truck, all with a length of no less than 3.50 meters and a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3,500 kg, and a trailer with a maximum authorized mass of no less than 1,000 kg, capable of reaching a speed of at least 100 km/h and not falling into category B. The trailer box may also be slightly narrower than the tractor vehicle, provided that rear visibility is only possible using the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors.»

Tips to prevent accidents

We have just seen the importance of mirrors for road safety. To reach your destination safely, experts recommend following these guidelines:

If you are going to drive, sit in a comfortable position, adjust the mirrors for proper visibility before starting the vehicle. Central and side mirrors. Do this every time you drive, as a starting routine, and with the calmness you need.
Keep the mirrors clean at all times.
Constantly check the mirrors, not just when overtaking or changing lanes. See and be seen. Remember that other drivers are also doing the same.
Be aware of blind spots and try to avoid placing your vehicle at the blind spot of other vehicles traveling alongside you.
Be conscious of the vision through the mirrors at all times. The visual message you receive is crucial, and the distance to moving objects shown in the mirrors is closer than it appears.

Rearview mirrors have incorporated many advancements to prevent the effect of "blind spots." Curved mirrors are part of the solution in Europe, but they are prohibited in the United States, citing distortions. The responsibility of driving a vehicle lies with the driver, who must also control their surroundings. Using mirrors at all times helps prevent accidents. It is a basic responsibility and an essential road safety measure.

Regulations on surveillance mirrors

Based on their geometric shape, mirrors can be flat, curved, or spherical. Flat mirrors are typically used to simply reflect images. On the other hand, spherical mirrors can be concave, with the polished surface on the inner face, or convex, facing outward. There is no legal framework or specific state or regional regulations governing the application or installation of mirrors dedicated to surveillance. This also applies to mirrors used in construction. Occasionally, some municipalities may have to intervene to resolve complaints or minor domestic issues related to surveillance in premises, residential communities, or garages, but they never enforce specific orders through regulations. Even the Personal Data Protection Law, which includes specific measures on video surveillance, does not contain rules regarding the use of mirrors. Convex mirrors are used to improve visibility in any location. They are designed for seeing and being seen. The peripheral vision they provide is very useful in hospitals, streets, vehicle entrances or exits, supermarkets, and many other places where detailed monitoring and observation of movements are necessary. On the other hand, concave mirrors reflect augmented reality, allowing for better observation of any activities used with them. In summary, safety mirrors are regulated by law in terms of their size and placement, housing, resistance, and angle of vision. Regardless of the model, it is essential to have approved mirrors that meet each specific need.