Proper Driving Procedures

• Side mirrors help driver vision.4x4 off road SUV truck image by goce risteski from Fotolia.com
  
  Side mirrors incorporated with good driving practices provide the driver with a clear view of the surrounding traffic. The correct procedure for merging into traffic or changing lanes is to signal, check the side mirror, look over the shoulder and go when it's clear.
  
  

Mirrors and Lane Changes

• Mirrors help drivers avoid accidents.Crash on the street. German auto model 2007. image by Dariusz Kopestynski from Fotolia.com
  
  Driving a car without side mirrors is a danger to the driver, as well as other vehicles and drivers. The absence of side mirrors could lead to an accident resulting from an unsafe lane change or merge.
  
  

Equipment Violations

• Correct a fix-it ticket.police car up close image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
  
  A driver can be cited for driving a car without a side mirror. This is known as an equipment violation, which is often referred to as a "fix-it" ticket. The driver must make the correction and receive approval from the appropriate law enforcement agency.
  
  

Sale of a Car

• Side-view mirrors are required on every car.car and us flag image by Jose from Fotolia.com
  
  Many localities have regulations that discourage dealers from selling any vehicle without the required safety equipment in place and functioning properly. This includes side view mirrors.
  
  

Side Mirrors Must Work

• A clear view at a glanceschool bus and mirrors image by TMLP from Fotolia.com
  
  Having a side mirror is not compliance in itself. The mirror must afford the driver a clear view of that section of the roadway that side mirrors reveal.