There has been much talk recently about the legality of towing mirrors with regards to the new regulations. Well, we have managed to decipher the legal gobbledygook and here it is:
The requirements for caravan towing mirrors follow the vehicle mirror requirements as defined in Regulation 33 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1 986. Regulation 33 requires that the mirrors comply with either the EC Directives (71/127/EEC or 2003/97/EC) or UNECE Regulation 46.
The current confusion is based on the fact that that Regulation 33 allows compliance with EC Directive 2003/97/EC. However, the requirements of this Directive do not become compulsory for new cars until 26th January 2010. Therefore, if the towing-mirror is already in use, or newly purchased now - E marking is preferred (but not strictly required).
If a NEW car is purchased after 26th January 2010, then 2003/97/EC or UNECE Regulation 46 compliant caravan towing mirrors will be required for that vehicle. We assume that all caravan towing mirrors would comply with the new requirements by that time.
So, the long and short of it is, your current towing mirrors are legal and that you will only require an “E” marked set if you buy a new car after 26/01/10 - hope this helps.
See our towing mirrors here
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There seems to be some confusion about towing mirrors. The May issue of the Caravan Club Magazine, in a question and answer section states - “Any new car sold after 26 January 2007 must comply with directives ec2003/97 and ec2005/27.” your articles states it is not applicable until 26/01/2010 for a newcar . Which is correct?
Yes, this has caused a great deal of confusion in a way that only the Government and EC could do! The statement we have comes straight from the Dept of Transport and so we have to assume they are correct and the Caravan Club maybe in error. Contacting the CC may clarify the situation.
Please refer to the Caravan Club latest release which pretty much retracts what was said in the May issue of their magazine:
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I have just purchased a peugeot 407 how many mirrors do I legally need
I think people need to be made aware that Wing mounted Mirrors where the drivers side mirror cannot be adjusted from the drivers seat are now illegal (or so I understand) and can land you with a fine!
I think you are right which is why it is very difficult to buy the older style of wing mounted mirror anymore.
If the trailer that you are towing is wider than the tow vehicle then you will need a mirror on both sides such that either side of the trailer is visible.
I am still a little confused as to the need for a second mirror on an older car 1998. I would appreciate some clarification. Thank you.