Mirrors & Visibility

1. Completeness & Field of Vision:

• Presence of Mirrors: Verifies that all mirrors or indirect vision systems required for the vehicle category and type approval are present.

• Driver Visibility: Ensures the driver has an unobstructed field of view to the rear and sides of the vehicle.

2. Glass Condition & Attachment:

• Mirror Glass: The glass must be free of cracks, breaks, or degradation that impairs visibility.

• Mounting & Stability: The mirror housing and base must be intact, securely fastened, and show no risk of detaching or falling off.

3. Camera/Monitor Systems:

• Digital Mirrors: Where the vehicle uses camera/monitor systems instead of conventional mirrors, the setup is checked for proper operation and compliance with vehicle approval specs.

Summary of KTEO Mirror Inspection Defect Codes (Section 5200):

• Missing Mirrors (5201): Required mirrors are absent ➔ Major Defect

• Poor Field of Vision (5202): Inadequate visibility to the rear or sides ➔ Major Defect

• Glass Defects (5203): Cracks, damage, or degradation hindering visibility ➔ Major Defect

• Defective Condition/Mounting (5204): Loose housing or risk of detaching ➔ Minor or Major Defect (depending on the inspector's evaluation).

What a Major Defect means: The vehicle fails the inspection. The issue must be repaired and the vehicle must undergo a re-inspection within the legally designated period (30 days).

Mirror Requirements & Inspection:

• Vehicle-Specific Check: The number, type, and position of mirrors are not universal. They depend on the vehicle's category, type approval date, and factory configuration (e.g., modern passenger cars typically require 2 external mirrors and 1 interior mirror).

• No "Optional" Mirrors: If a mirror is required by the vehicle's type approval, it is mandatory. The fact that the car can physically be driven without it does not make it optional.

• KTEO Consequence: Missing any mandatory mirror is recorded as a Major Defect, requiring a re-inspection.

Evaluation of Mirror Damage:

• Visibility & Glass (5203): A minor crack is not automatically a issue, but if the glass damage hinders clear visibility, it is marked as a Major Defect.

• Field of View (5202): If the driver does not have adequate visibility to the rear/sides (for any reason), it is recorded as a Major Defect.

• Mounting & Housing (5204): A loose housing or base with a risk of falling off is recorded as a defect, which may be assessed more strictly depending on the severity.

• Cosmetic Damage: Scratches or purely cosmetic wear on the plastic body that do not affect visibility, the glass, or stability are not treated as major defects.

1. Replacement Mirror Requirements:

• Non-OEM Allowed: It does not need to be an original manufacturer part, as long as it fits the vehicle, provides the required field of view, is securely mounted, and meets type-approval standards.

• Image & Glass Quality: The glass must be stable, clear, and distortion-free so it does not impair spatial awareness or distance perception.

• Mounting Mechanism: The housing and base must firmly hold the mirror in position while driving (without severe vibration).

• Electronic Features (Heating, Auto-folding, etc.): Failures in secondary electronic features do not count as a inspection defect, provided the mirror remains fully functional, correctly positioned, and safe for visibility.

2. Warning Regarding Camera-Monitor Systems:

• Type Approval Required: Digital camera/monitor systems (CMS) are only permitted if they are factory-approved equipment for that vehicle model.

• No Aftermarket Hacks: Replacing a standard factory mirror with an unapproved aftermarket camera is not considered an equivalent solution and will fail inspection.

Pre-Inspection Mirror Checklist

First, make sure all required mirrors are present and adjust them properly, verifying that they hold their position securely without slipping down.

Next, inspect the glass carefully for any cracks, breaks, cloudiness, or degradation that could impair clear visibility, ensuring there are no stickers or objects obstructing your view.

Finally, gently shake the mirror housing to confirm that the base is securely mounted, and if a mirror or system has been replaced, verify that the new part is compatible with the vehicle's type approval.

Regulatory Framework & Legislation for Mirrors / Visibility in KTEO

The vehicle inspection framework is governed by Ministerial Decision 19111/192/2019, as updated by Ministerial Decision 340141/2022 (Government Gazette 5759/B/10.11.2022). The latter revised the inspection point tables and defect classifications. For mirrors, the primary reference is Annex I, Section 5200 ("Mirrors"), covering defect codes 5201 to 5204.

Additionally, Joint Ministerial Decision 49372/3352/2017 aligns national rules with EU Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, while UNECE Regulation No. 46 specifies international technical standards for approving and installing mirrors or certified indirect vision devices.

Practical Takeaway: If a mirror is missing, provides poor field of view, or has damaged glass that impairs visibility, replace or repair it prior to your inspection to prevent a major defect and a mandatory re-test.