Thread: Pulled over by Police Woman - obstructed Rear View Mirror

Originally Posted by AK83

2006 ADR says that an interior rear view mirror is compulsory if the exteriror mirrors are small(Class II) but is optional of the exterior rear view mirrors are large(Class III).

rear view mirrors ADR.

Drill down to the large table in section 15. drill down further to see the definitions of the class of each mirror type required.
cameras are allowed as long as they conform to the specs outlined.

Yes, there are sections 2.1 and 6.2 about camera-monitors as 'Devices of indirect vision'.

Back on hold with QLD Transport ‘vehicle standards’

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

....
Virtually every bus and semi-trailer would not have a useful internal mirror either because the rear is blocked.

The ADR table has different rules for buses and trucks.

passenger vehicles come under class M1, light buses M2, and goods vehicles come under various N classes.

so if you have a peek at the table in section 15 in the ADR link, interior mirrors are 'optional' where (compulsory) Class II mirrors are fitted on the sides.
If the exterior mirrors are ClassIII(small) which are compulsory as a minimum, then an interior mirror is also compulsory.

What I'm not 100% clear on tho is the exact meaning in the obstruction section. They say there's a maximum of 15% obstruction allowed, but they don't say if this is for the total rear view field of view, or 15% of the actual mirror itself.
See section(s) under 15.2.4.8.
Obstructions in the interior view mirror are allowed to a point, defined in that section. Headrests, visors, pillars, etc. all create obstructions.

Originally Posted by AK83

The ADR table has different rules for buses and trucks.

passenger vehicles come under class M1, light buses M2, and goods vehicles come under various N classes.

so if you have a peek at the table in section 15 in the ADR link, interior mirrors are 'optional' where (compulsory) Class II mirrors are fitted on the sides.
If the exterior mirrors are ClassIII(small) which are compulsory as a minimum, then an interior mirror is also compulsory.

What I'm not 100% clear on tho is the exact meaning in the obstruction section. They say there's a maximum of 15% obstruction allowed, but they don't say if this is for the total rear view field of view, or 15% of the actual mirror itself.
See section(s) under 15.2.4.8.
Obstructions in the interior view mirror are allowed to a point, defined in that section. Headrests, visors, pillars, etc. all create obstructions.

That ADR is very interesting. Thanks for the link above.

That 15 table seems to be the key summary. If passenger vehicles are class M1 then it says if an internal mirror would not provide rear vision then two external mirrors may be used.
There are also rules about the size of mirrors. Defenders have larger than standard mirrors, but I'm not sure about their actual size and which class they fit into.
Also, its says earlier that some rules only apply if a mirror is 2m or more above ground level (trucks and buses, I assume).
So my bush lawyer summary would be if the vehicle such as Weeds' has two external mirrors then it is OK if the internal mirror does not provide rearward vision. A camera can also be used instead of an internal mirror.
Would be interesting to know if there has ever been a legal challenge on this to set a precedent.

I think that this particular police officer need a good dose of common sense.

OK, the lads at vehicle standards were very helpful......

They confirmed the comments by the police about tinting......and they have meters to test the %

They indicated there is no reference to installing curtains, sun shades etc in cargo areas

They pointed me toward this link View - Queensland Legislation - Queensland Government and indicated/confirmed all I need is two external reflective mirrors in good working conditions. this wording is similar/same as ADR.

re: cameras fitted to the rear of cars (work utes/vans etc) so long as you have two compliant external rear vison mirror on each side off the car than as above the internal rear vison mirror is not required, the mentioned again that you need two reflective mirrors.

now to try and get the police to remove the suspended fine

interesting, i thought you needed to be able see out the back window using the rear view mirror.

Originally Posted by Eevo

interesting, i thought you needed to be able see out the back window using the rear view mirror.

I guess having three adults in the back seat......stops the ability.