Traffic 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.


19. Traffic mirror

A traffic mirror is a convex mirror installed near an intersection, driveway, bend or other location with restricted visibility. Its curved surface provides a wider view of approaching road users than an ordinary flat mirror.

A traffic mirror is only a visibility aid. It may distort distance, speed and direction and may be affected by darkness, weather, dirt or damage. Drivers must continue to observe the road directly, obey all priority rules and proceed only when it is safe.

Traffic mirror
Traffic mirror near an ice-cream kiosk at the Table Mountain cableway upper station. (Cape Town, South Africa)
Wikimedia.org • HelenOnline • CC BY-SA
What is a traffic mirror?

A traffic mirror is a roadside visibility aid that can help users see around a blind corner or obstruction. It gives an indirect view, which may be restricted or distorted; it does not replace checking whether it is safe to proceed.

🔗 monmouthshire.gov.uk • Monmouthshire Council, roadside visibility mirrors

🔗 devon.gov.uk • Devon County Council, mirrors on the highway

🔗 hse.gov.uk • HSE, vehicle-route visibility and mirrors

Does a traffic mirror show an exact image?

No. The reflected image can be distorted, and glare, bad weather or dirt can restrict the view. Judging an approaching vehicle’s speed from a mirror can be difficult. Do not rely on the mirror alone.

🔗 monmouthshire.gov.uk • Monmouthshire Council, roadside visibility mirrors

🔗 devon.gov.uk • Devon County Council, mirrors on the highway

🔗 hse.gov.uk • HSE, vehicle-route visibility and mirrors

Does seeing an empty mirror mean the road is clear?

No. Another road user may be outside the reflected area, hidden by glare or too small to notice. Always check the road directly before proceeding.

🔗 monmouthshire.gov.uk • Monmouthshire Council, roadside visibility mirrors

🔗 devon.gov.uk • Devon County Council, mirrors on the highway

🔗 hse.gov.uk • HSE, vehicle-route visibility and mirrors

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