Illinois Mirror Laws

When you are on the roadway, you need to have a vehicle that will not pose a safety risk to you or anyone on the road around you. This means that the vehicle needs to be in good working order, with all lights and turn signals working properly. This also means that your mirrors are all there and properly installed. Without rear- and side-view mirrors, drivers may be left unaware of their surroundings. This can lead to serious accidents.

illinois mirror laws

What does Illinois Law say About Mirrors?

Illinois laws regarding mirrors on vehicles are fairly relaxed. The law says that mirrors must have a view of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle (Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 625 Act 5 Chapter 12 Article V Code 502 – 625 ILCS 5/12-502).

State laws require that every vehicle have a rear view mirror in place. As long as the rearview mirror has an unobstructed view of at least 200 feet to the rear, side view mirrors are not necessary.

Side view mirrors will be required if a driver is hauling a trailer or if the rearview mirror is blocked by something inside the vehicle.

How do Mirrors affect Liability in a Car Accident?

One of the most important things you need to realize is that a person who violates Illinois mirror laws could be found liable in the event they cause a crash. The following examples demonstrate how a driver could be liable for injuries and property damage in a crash:

  • The driver of a passenger vehicle has no rearview or side-view mirrors and crashes into another vehicle while making a lane change.
  • A driver has a rearview mirror but is hauling a trailer that obstructed their view to the rear of the vehicle. They have no side-view mirrors and crash into another vehicle when making a lane change on the highway.

If your vehicle is not roadworthy (violates Illinois laws) and you get into an accident, you could be held totally or partially liable in a crash. Even if a drunk driver causes a crash and you are seriously injured, you could be held partially liable if you violate Illinois mirror laws. This could result in you receiving less compensation than you would otherwise have received due to the modified comparative negligence system in place in Illinois.

If you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault, speak with a car accident attorney in Chicago. A lawyer can help maximize your recovery after a car collision.

Illinois Car Accident Statistics

Mirrors laws, along with other vehicle requirements, are in place to keep everyone on the roadway safe. Unfortunately, vehicle accidents are a common occurrence in this state. During the latest reporting year in Illinois, there were 311,679 total crashes. Out of those, there were:

  • 93,517 injuries reported
  • 1,090 fatalities reported

If you have been involved in a crash and there was a mirror violation issued to either party, please seek legal assistance from a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.