Ross F. Mann | July 4, 2025 | Personal Injury
Did you know that a police officer can pull you over for no other reason than your vehicle does not meet the Kentucky mirror requirements? Motor vehicles must be equipped with mirrors as required by Kentucky law.
In addition to a traffic equipment violation in Kentucky, you could also be liable for a car accident if missing mirrors were a factor in the cause of the crash. Keep reading to learn about car mirror rules in Fayette County and liability for accidents caused by missing mirrors.
Understanding vehicle equipment law in Lexington can help you protect your rights if you are injured in a car accident.
Mirror Laws in Kentucky and Why They Matter
Vehicle equipment laws are designed to ensure that vehicles operating on Kentucky roads are safe and do not pose a hazardous situation for others on the road. Safety equipment required for motor vehicles includes headlights, taillights, turn signals, windshield wipers, mirrors, and other equipment.
Vehicle mirrors enable drivers to see vehicles, objects, and people beside and behind the vehicle. Adequate visibility is required when backing up, changing lanes, merging, and turning. Without the required vehicle mirrors, the risk of a car accident increases.
Lexington, KY, traffic laws specify the number and position of mirrors required for a motor vehicle. In Kentucky, every motor vehicle must be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle. The vehicle must also have a mirror mounted inside the vehicle, in the center of the vehicle, or on the right side of the vehicle.
Even though mirror laws in Kentucky do not require a mirror to the right and a rear-view mirror inside the vehicle, most vehicles are equipped with two side mirrors and a rear-view mirror.
Mirror Laws for Motorcyclists and Commercial Vehicles in Lexington, KY
Motorcycle mirror laws in Kentucky require motorcycles to have a mirror mounted on the left side of the motorcycle. The law does not require two mirrors. However, many motorcycles have mirrors on both sides. Dual mirrors help ensure the rider has adequate visibility when making turns and changing lanes.
Commercial motor vehicles are subject to federal equipment requirements. Because of a large truck’s numerous blind spots, federal law requires commercial trucks to have additional mirrors. The mirrors must provide a clear view of the highway to the rear of the truck along both sides.
Penalties for Non-Compliance With Kentucky Mirror Laws
Violations of mirror laws are primary offenses. Police officers can pull a driver over solely for not having the required mirrors, even if the driver has not committed another traffic offense. Penalties for violating mirror laws can result in traffic citations, court appearances, and fines.
Kentucky law also prohibits selling a motor vehicle or motorcycle that does not meet the mirror requirements. Vehicle mirrors must be positioned correctly on the vehicle and adjusted to provide optimal visibility for the driver or rider.
Reduced visibility limits a motorist’s awareness of hazards and other vehicles behind them, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Tips for Ensuring Your Vehicle Meets Kentucky Mirror Laws
Mirrors on vehicles help drivers see what is beside and behind them clearly, allowing them to avoid collisions. Tips to ensure your vehicle meets Kentucky mirror laws include:
- Ensure you understand the requirements for vehicle mirrors and other safety equipment
- Confirm you have a left-side mirror that provides a view of at least 200 feet to the rear and along the left side of the vehicle
- Ensure you have a right-side mirror or an inside rear-view mirror
- Regularly inspect your vehicle’s mirrors to check for damage or other issues that could restrict visibility
Kentucky traffic laws may change. Keep up-to-date with vehicle regulations to comply with any changes to mirror laws.
How Mirror Laws Impact Accident Liability in Lexington, KY
Even though Kentucky is a no-fault insurance state, accident victims can sue at-fault drivers if they meet a threshold. The threshold in Kentucky is $1,000 in medical bills, permanent disfigurement, a broken bone, a permanent injury, or death. If you meet the threshold, you can pursue a personal injury claim.
However, the state’s pure comparative fault law allows a victim’s compensation to be reduced by their level of fault for causing an accident. Therefore, if a jury decides you are 20% at fault for causing an accident, the judge can reduce your economic and non-economic damages award by 20 percent.
Contact the Lexington Personal Injury Lawyers of Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident in Lexington, and need legal help, contact our personal injury attorneys at Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free case review today.
We proudly serve Fayette County and the surrounding areas.
Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers – Lexington
501 Darby Creek Rd UNIT 48
Lexington, KY 40509
(859) 413-3900
