Are towing mirrors a legal requirement in Australia?

There is no rule that says 'you must bolt on towing mirrors'. The rule is about vision: under the Australian Road Rules and the Australian Design Rules your vehicle must have mirrors that give a clear view of the road behind and of following traffic on both sides. If your caravan or trailer is wider than your tow vehicle and blocks that view, extension mirrors are the only practical way to comply — so in effect they become mandatory.

What is the 20 metre rule for towing mirrors?

The commonly cited benchmark is that your mirrors must let you see the road surface at least 20 metres behind the rear of your trailer, and traffic approaching in the adjacent lanes on both sides. If you can only see the side of your van, your mirrors are not adequate.

How far can towing mirrors legally stick out?

Mirrors may project only as far as is needed to see past the trailer, and the overall vehicle width including mirrors must stay within the 2.5 metre national limit. They must also be retracted or removed once you are no longer towing — leaving oversized mirrors extended on an untowed vehicle can itself be an offence.

Do I need towing mirrors for a box trailer?

Usually not. A standard 6x4 box trailer is narrower than the tow vehicle, so the factory mirrors still give a clear view down both sides. Towing mirrors are needed when the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle — most caravans, wide boats and enclosed trailers.

What happens if you get caught towing without adequate mirrors?

Police can issue an on-the-spot infringement for failing to have adequate rear vision and, in most states, a defect notice on the vehicle. Penalty amounts are set state by state and change each financial year, so check your state regulator for the current figure. An inadequate-mirror defect can also complicate an insurance claim after an incident.

Guide

Towing Mirrors in Australia: The Legal Guide

When towing mirrors are legally required in Australia, the 20-metre rear-view rule, mirror types compared, state penalties and how to fit them correctly.