Convex Rear View Mirrors

The design, construction and operational requirements of motor vehicle rear view mirrors are set out in Australian Design Rule (for road vehicles) 14/02.

In 2003 an alteration was made to ADR 14/02 that allowed the use of mirrors that comply with UN/ECE R46, the European standard for motor vehicle rear view mirrors. This was done as part of an ongoing program to harmonise Australian motor vehicle construction rules with other internationally recognised standards.

R46 is more detailed and prescriptive than ADR 14/02, but significantly, allows the use of convex mirrors in places where they were not previously permitted.  Convex mirrors have been allowed on the left side of vehicles for some time, however since this change many vehicles now also have right hand convex mirrors as well.

The claimed benefit of convex mirrors is that they provided a greater field of view than would be allowed by a flat mirror. Negatives are that they provide a distorted perception of distance.

RACQ received a small number of enquiries about these mirrors when they first became common fitment to the right exterior position, however since they have become relatively common we receive only the occasional enquiry. In view of this it would appear that most vehicle owners have accepted these mirrors, though it would be fair to say that some drivers do initially have difficulties with the distorted distance perception they produce.