Motorcyclists traveling California roads need every advantage to avoid the mistakes of careless and reckless local drivers. Their best defense can be to keep everyone and every vehicle in sight. Having the right mirrors in the right place can help with that.
California Motorcycle Mirror Requirements
California requires motorcyclists with motorcycles subject to registration to travel with at least two mirrors, with at least one mounted on the left-hand side.
California Vehicle Code CVC 26709. also lays out further requirements for mirrors:
“(a) Every motor vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction and every motorcycle subject to registration in this state shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle.”
When to Check Your Mirrors on a Motorcycle
The California DMV Motorcycle Handbook cautions riders not to forget about what’s going on behind them. They point out how vital it is to know the situation to the rear, especially when riders are forced to take quick action over hazards popping up in front of them.
DMV officials take an extra look in those mirrors and check blind spots in these situations:
- When you are stopped at an intersection.Watch vehicles coming up from behind. If the driver isn’t paying attention, he could be on top of you before he sees you.
- Before you change lanes.Make sure no one is about to pass you. Check the mirror(s) and turn your head to check over your shoulder, on the side of the lane you want to move into.
- Before you slow down.The driver behind you may not expect you to slow down, or may be unsure about where you will slow down. For example, you signal a turn and the driver thinks you plan to turn at a distant intersection, rather than at a nearer driveway.
Transportation authorities also caution riders not to be fooled by rounded mirrors. These mirrors provide a distorted view in order to offer a wider look at things going on in the rearview. This distortion also means that it will be harder to tell how far away objects are.
Experts suggest riders take advantage of times when they are at a stop and check out an object in the rearview mirror and then look at the same object by turning their heads. This exercise can help a rider get used to the difference between the mirror’s view and reality.
Making Mirror and Head Checks
Just as no driver should rely solely on mirrors, motorcyclists need to make frequent head checks along with mirror checks. Motorcycles have mirror blindspots like other vehicles.
When motorcyclists put their eyes on the area beside them and just behind them, they can avoid a dangerous collision. Head checks are especially smart when attempting to pass a slow vehicle.
It’s also vital that riders keep the mirrors on other vehicles in mind for two reasons. When motorcyclists think they may be traveling in a driver’s blind spot, it’s vital to get out of that position or alert the driver to your presence.
Mirrors on vehicles, especially large trucks, may stick out extremely far. It’s important for riders to notice these large mirrors anytime they are beside a vehicle. These mirrors may be mounted at the perfect height to strike a rider and cause a devastating accident.
If You Are in a Motorcycle Accident in California…
Don’t trust an insurance company to provide you with the proper amount of compensation to pay for your injury recovery.
When a careless or reckless driver puts your ride and your wellbeing in jeopardy, discuss your case with a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, works hard to see that motorcyclists aren’t taken advantage of by an insurance company representing an at-fault driver. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to find out how to earn the financial support you need to pay hospital bills and get back on your bike again.
