Ever wondered whether you need towing mirrors? CIAA sheds light

Towing Mirrors are a major topic of conversation. To get the clear information I posed a series of questions with the Compliance section of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. 

My basic question was “When the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 came into force were there changes to the need for towing mirrors?”

The Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 14/02 – Rear Vision Mirrors) 2006, which was originally linked with Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 has continued in force under the replacement Act – Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018

Q1. Are Towing Mirrors still a legal requirement? 

A. Towing mirrors are listed as a requirement by state and territory road authorities. An example (from Queensland) is here.
The requirements for in-service vehicles are based on the Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules (ALVSRs).  Extended mirrors are not specifically discussed in these rules; however, the rules do include a requirement for visibility of the road behind the vehicle and any following or overtaking vehicle. The ALVSRs are specifically applied to vehicle combinations as well as single vehicles.

The Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules can be found via the National Transport Corporation.

Q2. Are you still required to see down the side of the van and 20m beyond?

The field of view requirements do not have a rearwards limit – the ADR requires visibility “to the horizon”.  The area that is to be visible is measured from a plane passing through the outermost point of the vehicle, hence the requirement to be able to see “down the side of the van”.  The words of the ADR are complicated, but Figure 5 explains it visually:

The problem with a combination in which the trailer/caravan width exceeds that of the towing vehicle is that you create a blind spot that obscures some of the field of view along the immediate side of the trailer/caravan and rearwards.  Crudely rendered, it looks something like this.

3.   Does a rear camera replace Towing Mirrors? 

Rear view mirrors are mandatory in the ADR. While some mirrors can be replaced by camera/monitor devices, the main rear view mirrors are not one of these.
Furthermore, it is my understanding that most rear camera setups operate when the vehicle is in reverse, as a parking/manoeuvring aid, not for rear visibility during forward driving. And you are correct – you would not see the required field of view from a rear-mounted camera position.

4.   Are you still required to remove the towing mirrors when you are not towing? 

Both ADR and ALVSR include limits for the protrusion of exterior rear view mirrors from a vehicle. A vehicle fitted with wide towing mirrors exceeds these limits, hence the requirement to remove or retract towing mirrors when the tow vehicle is used as a single vehicle.

5.   Can a camera looking down the side of your van replace towing mirrors? 

Same answer as for question 3 – No, a camera cannot replace rear view mirrors. They may be used as a supplement, but correctly functioning exterior rear view mirrors are mandatory.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia