are towing mirrors manditory if reversing camera is fitted to van?

I didn't know towing mirrors were mandatory in the first place

Are you sure? I am learning every day

CJ

Gooday, as far as I am aware it is Mandatory to be able to see clearly down the sides of the unit being towed.
Cheers,
Boroma604.

I doubt very much whether reversing cameras are accepted as rear vision.

I'm interested to hear from those who know. I think that they are handy aides but don't replace reversing mirrors at all.

Meanwhile. 'towing mirrors' are designed to extend the rear vision past a trailer that is too wide to see past with your normal exterior mirrors. So they would be mandatory if you are towing something like that.

Maybe you have a camera attached to the rear of the trailer? I'm pretty sure that that wouldn't qualify as an accepted rear view 'mirror'.... could be wrong.. often am!

Hi there.
Strictly speaking, reversing cameras are wired to come on when reverse gear is engaged, and to turn off as soon as neutral or a forward gear are selected. On the contrary, a rear vision camera is wired to be 'on' whenever it is energised, usually by switching it on.
So a rear view camera is supposed to do the same sort of job as rear vision mirrors, but is not legally an alternative. You can be nicked for not having mirrors that meet the legal requirement.
But a reversing camera does not even work when you are travelling forward, so obviously cannot replace mirrors, even ignoring the legal requirements.

Yes, you do Kc, certainly in WA, and i think likewise in all the other states. Rear view cameras as a substitute haven't come into the legislation at this stage.

Extract

"Ensure your car is fitted with good exterior mirrors so you can clearly see behind you when towing a trailer or caravan."

Motherhen

Found this in the Qld legislation

Site Link

24 Rear vision mirrors
(1) A rear vision mirror or mirrors must be fitted to a motor
vehicle as required by this section so that a driver of the
vehicle can clearly see by reflection the road behind the
vehicle and any following or overtaking vehicle.
(2) At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to—
(a) a car; and
Schedule 1
Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation
1999
Reprint 5C effective 1 December 2009 Page 59
(b) a motortrike with 2 front wheels; and
(c) a motorbike, or motortrike with 1 front wheel, built
before July 1975.
(3) At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to each side of—
(a) a motor vehicle with a GVM over 3.5t; and
(b) a motorbike, or motortrike with 1 front wheel, built after
June 1975.
(4) A motor vehicle with a GVM not over 3.5t, other than a motor
vehicle mentioned in subsection (2) or (3), must be fitted
with—
(a) at least 1 rear vision mirror on the right side of the
vehicle; and
(b) at least 1 rear vision mirror on the left side of the vehicle
or inside the vehicle.
(5) A rear vision mirror fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM
over 3.5t must not project over 150mm beyond the widest
part, excluding lights, signalling devices and reflectors, of the
vehicle or combination.
(6) However, the rear vision mirror may project not over 230mm
beyond the widest part of the vehicle or combination if it can
fold to project not over 150mm beyond the widest part.

I have both and prefer the mirrors to the camera for reversing. The cameras seem to have a lens that makes distances longer thus making it hard to see what's behind you until it is on you. Saying that I am able to keep an eye out for vehicles that are moving faster than me so that I can move over or in the case of trucks, call them on the radio to work out where it would be best for them to overtake.

I would not be without my Aussie Truck mirrors as they give me a clear view down both sides of the caravan.

I have found that with good rear view mirrors you can keep an eye on what is happening along the side of your Trailer/caravan (i.e. Windows coming open, bearings getting hot/loose etc.). Plus when another vehicle is passing you can keep a better eye on it. The rear view cameras are great for what is behind you but not along the sides

The simple answer is mirrors are a requirement Cameras are considered an aid.

Basically if a cop stands behind your van and sticks his fingers out from either edge and you cant see them in your mirrors you are in trouble.

Also a camera cant see a vehicle that comes up behind you and then sits beside the van far enough forward that the camera cant see it and far enough back that your inadequate mirrors cant either.

Admittedly this will only happen with a longer van but it can and does happen.

On my trip from Coffs to Brisbane and back last week I was amazed at the number of vans with no wide mirrors and some without UHF aerials either.

I also looked for cameras and they had none.

Pulled out from behind a couple and it was obvious from the shifting of the rig they had no idea I was even behind them.

Ignorance is bliss till its an angry Roadtrain driver that wants to pass.

In this instance more is better.

You are after all supposed to watch where you are going and its much easier to glance in a mirror than in a small camera screen usually mounted away from your usual line of vision.

Thanks everyone for your advice

regards Kc

The issue is really quite simple. The legislation requires the driver to see vehicles overtaking on either side and any vehicle following. How that is achieved is not stated

Neil

You can actually buy cameras that mount on the side of a vehicle now.

How much I would trust them Im not sure. All these screens to watch when you are supposed to be looking where you are going.


Read this it says about mirrors

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/file/eb849042963ccb6/Safe_towing_information_V2.pdf

Other sections that should be observed is the bit about chain ratings and the Do not Ovetake turning vehicle signs