Transportation and Vehicle Safety: Broken passenger mirror, rear view mirror, civil obligation

Question
I am a transportation supervisor and have had issues with my boss about what are safety violations the most recent being a broken passenger mirror. I deadlined a vehicle for having a broken passenger mirror with half of it missing. My boss said I should look at my DOT regulations because he couldn't find anywhere where it states that this would be a violation. The vehicle is a Chevy Colorado with a topper shell and it is very hard to see behind you using the rearview mirror.

Answer
Hello Liz and welcome to AllExperts....

While the U.S. Department of Transportation does nationally govern many rules and regulations, they also leave many for the individual states to manage within their own Vehicle Codes (State DOT/DMV), and each state is somewhat different.

Concerning California and Oregon for instance, you must have at least two mirrors providing an unobstructed view, and the mirrors must be working, clear of foreign objects and undamaged.

A drivers side mirror and a rear view mirror would suffice assuming both provide a clear view outside. If there is no clear view directly behind the driver (window), then a drivers and passengers side view mirror are required.

As I don't know what State you live/work in, I cannot with any accuracy advise you as to that States Vehicle Code regarding this issue, but I would recommend you look there.

Finally, if a particular addition or enhancement to a vehicle is made, the owner/operator has a civil obligation to ensure it is safe to use along with any aids necessary to increase that margin of safety. This is not a regulation, but a duty (due regard) placed on all operators.

Bottom line, regardless of any chain of command, the driver always is required to operate a safe vehicle and is criminally and civilly responsible for their actions. Their supervisors also are responsible if they knowingly allowed an unsafe vehicle to be operated.



I hope this has helped.