Can anyone advise if towing mirrors are legally required in the UK. I have a narrow caravan (less wide than the towing vehicle)and fitting them does not increase visibility substantially.All they seem to do is make you more aware of narrow spaces.
Towing a mid-sized Eriba behind an E-class, we too can see all the way down the side of the caravan - and behind - using the standard door mirrors.
My interpretation is that you must have a "clear and unrestricted" view behind and to the sides - if you can achieve that with the standard mirrors then fine - otherwise additional aids are required - like mirror extensions.
I seem to remember that a question like this was asked in the CC Magazine and the answer was as Rob_jax says - Thing is it was in response to a member getting pulled by the police (and maybe an on the spot fine - can't remember that bit).
Thing is that some traffic police seem ill informed on the law as regards to towing (some for instance think 85% is law not a guide). Ultimately i suspect they feel it's to much to know everything and it's up to the CPS and courts to check the fine detail.
My view is why give the police an excuse to pull you over even if you are right - it's going to ruin your day - whatever happens (ie spending 30mins in the company of Mr Plod on the Motorway arguing over the finer points of the law - isn't going to be nice). So I (who also doesn't really need the extra mirrors either) - Stick them on it as it doesn't take 5 mins and keeps Mr Plod Happy so they can go a find a real use for their time and pull someone without an MOT and insurance.
Any if any MR Plods are reading this - your all very nice people who do a really hard job ! So please don't pull us caravaners.
I seem to remember that a question like this was asked in the CC Magazine and the answer was as Rob_jax says - Thing is it was in response to a member getting pulled by the police (and maybe an on the spot fine - can't remember that bit).
Thing is that some traffic police seem ill informed on the law as regards to towing (some for instance think 85% is law not a guide). Ultimately i suspect they feel it's to much to know everything and it's up to the CPS and courts to check the fine detail.
My view is why give the police an excuse to pull you over even if you are right - it's going to ruin your day - whatever happens (ie spending 30mins in the company of Mr Plod on the Motorway arguing over the finer points of the law - isn't going to be nice). So I (who also doesn't really need the extra mirrors either) - Stick them on it as it doesn't take 5 mins and keeps Mr Plod Happy so they can go a find a real use for their time and pull someone without an MOT and insurance.
Any if any MR Plods are reading this - your all very nice people who do a really hard job ! So please don't pull us caravaners.
Thanks for the info. I am an ex Mr Plod (no offense taken)but not on the traffic side hence my lack of knowledge.
I ask because there seems to be confusion in this area. I don't want those b' towing mirrors if I can do without them. I have tried several types and few can show you whats directly behind the caravan. Most are ill fitting and have to be strapped on with the potential to damage the cars mirrors. I can see clearly down the side of the caravan using the tow cars mirrors. It seems to me its the same scenario as lorries with mirrors -they cannot see directly behind them-hence the signs you sometimes see-"if you cant see my mirrors then I cant see you !"
Are there any Mr Plods out there who can give us the legal point of view.
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