Bikers often come across this question when buying a new ride for themselves: “Do I need mirrors on my motorcycle?”
Well, the answer is simple: Yes, it is a compulsion to ensure safety. Mirrors help you to stay safe while riding and let you see vehicles behind you, particularly while making turns which saves you from road accidents.
Let’s find out how these mirrors ensure safety in the article ahead.
Here Are a Few Stats About Motorcycle Mirrors
In some states such as Georgia, it is easy to track down a bike without mirrors, yet that similar vehicle would be illegal in South Carolina and Tennessee.
Talking about the US, 22 out of 50 states require some type of mirrors on bikes, with five states requiring two rearview mirrors.
While the other 28 states don’t lawfully require mirrors, it is still commonly smart to have a pair that enables you to see around 200 feet behind you to avoid unfortunate incidents.
What Is the Purpose of Mirrors?
Many people scorn bike mirrors for unknown reasons. However, one needs to understand that mirrors are vital to your safety.
It is generally a smart idea to have one that shows at-least 200 feet behind you to avoid mishaps and make it much easier to drive.
Bike mirrors have several distinct advantages that you need to know so that you can understand the reason why motorcycle mirrors are immeasurably significant.
Some of the advantages are:
- Mirrors help you pass turns and bypasses
- Mirrors help new riders to ride carefully
- Mirrors help you elude neck pain (by not turning your head repeatedly)
- Motorcycle mirrors help you keep an eye on the riders behind you
States that Don’t Require Mirrors
Following is the list of States that don’t require mirrors on bikes:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
In these states, there’s no proper punishment for not having a mirror on your motorcycle. However, they might have different requirements. For example, headlights, etc.
Quick Note: Even in these states, it’s usually more secure to have a rearview mirror for avoiding mishaps.
What Factors To Keep In Mind While Installing Mirrors on Motorcycles?
Mirrors might pivot while riding and more awful the mirrors will tumble to the ground. Therefore, make sure you ensure a few essential things while installing mirrors on your motorcycle.
The factors include:
- Inspection of the stability of the mirrors
- Make sure you fix them tightly
- The angle and position should be accordingly.
FAQS
Can you drive a motorbike without mirrors?
The simple answer is no. You need mirrors both legally and for your safety. They ensure your safety and help you with safe driving.
Side mirrors are normally used to watch out for the vehicles behind us. Whenever you need to take a turn you lean toward side mirrors to remain conscious about vehicles behind you.
Can you drive a motorcycle with one mirror?
If the motorcycle initially had just a single mirror then indeed, it is legal. If it came from the factory with two mirrors then legally it should have two. However, It is fine to drive with both one or two mirrors.
Do motorcycles come with mirrors?
Many bikes really do come with one mirror that allows the driver to see what’s behind him. However, not all motorcycles have these mirrors.
The style of bike, the manufacturer, and where it was made can all factor into whether or not a specific bike will have mirrors.
