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MirrorSouth Africa

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of South Africa. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
South Africa

90. Mirror

A mirror is a device fitted to a vehicle that allows the driver to observe traffic behind and beside the vehicle without turning away from the road ahead for an extended period. Vehicles commonly use an interior rear-view mirror and one or more exterior side mirrors.

Mirrors help drivers monitor surrounding traffic before changing direction, changing lane, overtaking, merging or slowing down. Because mirrors cannot show every area around a vehicle, drivers should also check their blind spots by direct observation where necessary before manoeuvring.

Left wing mirror on a car.
Wikimedia.org • Petar Milošević • CC BY-SA
What is a vehicle mirror?

A vehicle mirror allows the driver to observe traffic and other road users behind or beside the vehicle.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 159–169 and 202, observation and mirrors; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133 and 161, lateral movement and mirrors; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 211–223, cycles and large-vehicle blind spots; national guidance example

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, rear-view mirrors and blind-spot warning; model-specific example

What is the difference between an interior and exterior mirror?

An interior rear-view mirror normally provides a view through the rear window, while exterior side mirrors provide views along the sides and towards the rear of the vehicle.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 159–169 and 202, observation and mirrors; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133 and 161, lateral movement and mirrors; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 211–223, cycles and large-vehicle blind spots; national guidance example

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, rear-view mirrors and blind-spot warning; model-specific example

Can a damaged mirror affect road safety?

Yes. A cracked, loose, missing or badly adjusted mirror can reduce the driver's view of surrounding traffic and should be repaired or replaced when necessary.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 159–169 and 202, observation and mirrors; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133 and 161, lateral movement and mirrors; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 211–223, cycles and large-vehicle blind spots; national guidance example

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, rear-view mirrors and blind-spot warning; model-specific example

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