1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.

001 — 1

This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents

►B COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 1 March 1971
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the rear-view mirrors of motor
vehicles
(71/127/EEC)
(OJ L 68, 22.3.1971, p. 1)

Amended by:

Official Journal

No page date
►M1 Commission Directive 79/795/EEC of 20 July 1979 L 239 1 22.9.1979
►M2 Commission Directive 85/205/EEC of 18 February 1985 L 90 1 29.3.1985
►M3 Commission Directive 86/562/EEC of 6 November 1986 L 327 49 22.11.1986
►M4 Council Directive 87/354/EEC of 25 June 1987 L 192 43 11.7.1987
►M5 Commission Directive 88/321/EEC of 16 May 1988 L 147 77 14.6.1988
►M6 Council Directive 2006/96/EC of 20 November 2006 L 363 81 20.12.2006

Amended by:

►A1 Act of Accession of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom of L 73 14 27.3.1972
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
(adapted by Council Decision of 1 January 1973) L 2 1 1.1.1973
►A2 Act of Accession of Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
►A3 Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal L 302 23 15.11.1985
►A4 Act of Accession of Austria, Sweden and Finland C 241 21 29.8.1994
(adapted by Council Decision 95/1/EC, Euratom, ECSC) L 1 1 1.1.1995
►A5 Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the L 236 33 23.9.2003
Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia,
the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of
Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak
Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European
Union is founded

Corrected by:

►C1 Corrigendum, OJ L 999, 1.1.1973, p. 85 (71/127/EEC)

 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 2

▼B
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 1 March 1971
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
the rear-view mirrors of motor vehicles
(71/127/EEC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic

Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof;

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (1);

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee

(2);

Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy

pursuant to national laws relate, inter alia, to their rear-view mirrors;

Whereas those requirements differ from one Member State to another;

whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the same
requirements either in addition to or in place of their existing
requirements, in order, in particular, to allow the EEC type-approval
procedure which was the subject of the Council Directive of 6 February
1970 (3) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating
to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers to be applied in
respect of each type of vehicle;

Whereas rules on rear-view mirrors should lay down requirements

concerning not only how such mirrors should be fitted on vehicles
but also their construction;
Whereas a harmonised type-approval procedure for rear-view mirrors
makes it possible for each Member State to check compliance with
the common construction and testing requirements and to inform the
other Member States of its findings by sending a copy of the type-
approval certificate completed for each type of rear-view mirror;
whereas the placing of an EEC type-approval mark on all mirrors
manufactured in conformity with the approved type obviates any need
for technical checks on these mirrors in the other Member States;

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

1. Each Member State shall approve any type of rear-view mirror

which satisfies the construction and testing requirements laid down in
►M2 Annex II ◄.
2. The Member State which has granted type approval shall take the
measures required in order to verify, in so far as is necessary and if
need be in co-operation with the competent authorities in the other
Member States, that production models conform to the approved type.
Such verification shall be limited to spot checks.

(1) OJ No C 160, 18.12.1969, p. 7.

(2) OJ No C 48, 16.4.1969, p. 16.
(3) OJ No L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 3

▼B
Article 2

Member States shall issue to the manufacturer, or to his authorised

representative, an EEC type-approval mark which shall conform to
the model shown in ►M2 Appendix 2 to Annex II ◄, for each
type of rear-view mirror which they approve pursuant to Article 1.

Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of
marks liable to create confusion between rear-view mirrors which have
been type-approved pursuant to Article 1 and other mirrors.

Article 3

1. No Member State may prohibit the placing on the market of rear-

view mirrors on grounds relating to their construction or method of
functioning if they bear the EEC type-approval mark.

2. Nevertheless, this provision shall not prevent a Member State from

taking such measures in respect of rear-view mirrors bearing the EEC
type-approval mark which, by their design, do not conform to the
approved prototype.

That State shall inform the other Member States and the Commission
forthwith of the measures taken, specifying the reasons for its decision.
The provisions of Article 5 shall also apply.

▼M1
There shall be failure to conform to the approved type, within the
meaning of the first subparagraph, where the requirements of
►M2 Annex II ◄ are not observed.

▼B

Article 4

The competent authorities of each Member State shall within one month
send to the competent authorities of the other Member States a copy of
the type-approval certificates completed for each type of rear-view
mirror which they approve or refuse to approve.

Article 5

1. If the Member State which has granted EEC type-approval finds

that a number of rear-view mirrors bearing the same type-approval mark
do not conform to the type which it has approved, it shall take the
necessary measures to ensure that production models conform to the
approved type. The competent authorities of that State shall advise those
of the other Member States of the measures taken, which may, where
necessary, extend to withdrawal of EEC type-approval. The said autho-
rities shall take the same measures if they are informed by the
competent authorities of another Member State of such failure to
conform.

2. The competent authorities of Member States shall inform each

other within one month of any withdrawal of EEC type-approval, and
of the reasons for such measure.

3. If the Member State which has granted EEC type-approval

disputes the failure to conform notified to it, the Member States
concerned shall endeavour to settle the dispute. The Commission shall
be kept informed and shall, where necessary, hold appropriate consul-
tations for the purpose of reaching a settlement.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 4

▼B
Article 6

All decisions taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implemen-

tation of this Directive which refuse or withdraw type-approval for a
rear-view mirror or prohibit its use shall set out in detail the reasons on
which they are based. A decision shall be notified to the party
concerned, who shall at the same time be informed of the remedies
available to him under the laws in force in the Member States and of
the time limits allowed for the exercise of such remedies.
▼M2
Article 7

1. With effect from 1 October 1985, no Member State may, on

grounds relating to rear-view mirrors:
(a) — refuse, in respect of a type of motor vehicle, to grant EEC type-
approval, to issue the document referred to in the third indent of
Article 10 (1) of Directive 70/156/EEC, or to grant national
type-approval, or
— prohibit the entry into service of the vehicles,
if the rear-view mirrors of this type of vehicle or of these vehicles
comply with the provisions of this Directive;
(b) — refuse, in respect of a type of rear-view mirror, to grant EEC
component type-approval or national type-approval, if these
rear-view mirrors comply with the provisions of this Directive,
or
— prohibit the placing on the market of rear-view mirrors which
bear the EEC component type-approval mark issued in
accordance with the requirements of this Directive.
2. With effect from 1 October 1986 a Member State:
(a) — shall not issue the document referred to in the third indent of
Article 10 (1) of Directive 70/156/EEC in respect of a type of
vehicle of which the rear-view mirrors do not comply with the
provisions of this Directive,
— may refuse to grant national type-approval in respect of a type
of vehicle of which the rear-view mirrors do not comply with
the provisions of this Directive;
(b) — shall not grant EEC component type-approval in respect of a
type of rear-view mirror if the latter does not comply with the
provisions of this Directive,
— may refuse to grant national component type-approval in respect
of a type of rear-view mirror if the latter does not comply with
the provisions of this Directive.
3. With effect from 1 October 1988, Member States may prohibit the
entry into service of vehicles — with the exception of those referred to
in item 2.1.3 of Annex III — of which the rear-view mirrors do not
comply with the provisions of this Directive.
With effect from 1 October 1992, Member States may prohibit the entry
into service of vehicles referred to in item 2.1.3 of Annex III of which
the rear-view mirrors do not comply with the provisions of this
Directive. They may likewise prohibit the placing on the market of
rear-view mirrors which do not bear the component type-approval
mark issued in accordance with the requirements of this Directive.
▼A1
Article 7a

No Member State may refuse or prohibit the sale or registration, entry

into service or use of a vehicle on grounds relating to its rear-view
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 5

▼A1
mirrors if these comply with the requirements laid down in the
Annexes.
▼B

Article 8

For the purposes of this Directive, ‘vehicle’ means any motor vehicle
intended for use on the road, with or without bodywork, having at least
four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, with the
exception of vehicles which run on rails, agricultural tractors and
machinery, and public works vehicles.

Article 9

The amendments necessary for adjusting the requirements of Annexes I,

II and III so as to take account of technical progress shall be adopted in
accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 13 of the Council
Directive of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the type approval of motor vehicles and their
trailers.

Article 10

1. Member States shall put into force provisions containing the

requirements needed in order to comply with this Directive within
eighteen months of its notification and shall forthwith inform the
Commission thereof.
2. Member States shall ensure that the texts of the main provisions of
national law which they adopt in the field governed by this Directive are
communicated to the Commission.

Article 11

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 6

▼M2
ANNEX I

DEFINITIONS

1. Rear-view mirror means any device, excluding complex optical systems

such as periscopes, intended to give a clear view to the rear and side of
the vehicle within the fields of vision defined in item 5 of Annex III.

2. Interior rear-view mirror means a device as defined in item 1 which can

be fitted in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

3. Exterior rear-view mirror means a device as defined in item 1 which can

be mounted on the external surface of a vehicle.

4. Surveillance rear-view mirror means a rear-view mirror other than a

device of the type defined in item 1 which can be fitted to the inside
or outside of the vehicle in order to provide fields of vision other than
those specified in item 5 of Annex III.

5. Rear-view mirror type means devices which do not differ significantly in

respect of the following essential characteristics:

5.1. the dimensions and radius of curvature of the rear-view mirror's

reflecting surface;

5.2. the design, shape or materials of the rear-view mirrors, including the
connection with the bodywork.

6. Class of rear-view mirror means all devices having one or more

common characteristics or functions. They are classified as follows:

Class I: Interior rear-view mirrors, giving the field of

vision defined in item 5.2 of Annex III.

Classes II and III: ‘Main’ exterior rear-view mirrors, giving the fields
of vision defined in item 5.3 of Annex III.

Class IV: ‘Wide-angle’ exterior rear-view mirrors, giving the

field of vision defined in item 5.4 of Annex III.

Class V: ‘Close-proximity’ exterior rear-view mirrors,

giving the field of vision defined in item 5.5 of
Annex III.

7. r means the average of the radii of curvature measured over the

reflecting surface, in accordance with the method described in item 2
of Appendix 1 to this Annex.

8. The principal radii of curvature at one point on the reflecting surface (ri)
means the values obtained with the apparatus defined in Appendix 1,
measured on the arc of the reflecting surface passing through the centre
of this surface parallel to the segment b, as defined in item 2.2.1 of
Annex II and on the arc perpendicular to this segment.

9. The radius of curvature at one point on the reflecting surface (rp) means
the arithmetical average of the principal radii of curvature ri and r′i i.e.:
ri þ r′i
rp ¼
2

10. Centre of the reflecting surface means the centroid of the visible area of
the reflecting surface.

11. The radius of curvature of the constituent parts of the rear-view mirror
means the radius ‘c’ of the arc of the circle which most closely approx-
imates to the curved form of the part in question.

12. The driver's ocular points means two points 65 mm apart and 635 mm
vertically above point R of the driver's seat as defined in Appendix 2 to
this Annex. The straight line joining these points runs perpendicular to
the vertical longitudinal median plane of the vehicle. The centre of the
segment joining the two ocular points is in a vertical longitudinal plane
which must pass through the centre of the driver's designated seating
position, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 7

▼M2
13. Ambinocular vision means the total field of vision obtained by the super-
imposition of the monocular fields of the right eye and the left eye (see
diagram below).

E = interior rear-view mirror

9
OD =

OE ; = driver's eyes
9
ID =
= virtual monocular images
IE ;

I = virtual ambinocular image

A = angle of vision of left eye

B = angle of vision of right eye

C = binocular angle of vision

D = ambinocular angle of vision

14. Type of vehicle as regards rear-view mirrors means motor vehicles

which are identical in respect of the following basic features:
14.1. the bodywork features which reduce the field of vision;
14.2. the coordinates of point R;
14.3. the prescribed positions and types of compulsory and (if fitted) optional
rear-view mirror.
15. Vehicles of categories M1, M2, M3, N1, N2, N3 means those defined in
Annex I to Directives 70/156/EEC.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 8

▼M2
Appendix 1 to Annex I

PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING THE RADIUS OF CURVATURE ‘r’

OF THE REFLECTING SURFACE OF A REAR-VIEW MIRROR

1. MEASUREMENTS
1.1. Equipment
The ‘spherometer’ described in Figure 1 is used.
1.2. Measuring points
1.2.1. The principal radii of curvature shall be measured at three points
situated as close as possible to positions at one-third, one-half and
two-thirds of the distance along the arc of the reflecting surface
passing through the centre of this surface and parallel to segment b,
or of the arc passing through the centre of the reflecting surface which
is perpendicular to it if this arc is the longer.
1.2.2. Where, owing to the size of the reflecting surface, it is impossible to
obtain measurements in the directions defined in item 8 of this Annex,
the technical services responsible for the tests may take measurements
at the said point in two perpendicular directions as close as possible to
those prescribed above.
2. CALCULATION OF THE RADIUS OF CURVATURE ‘r’
‘r’ expressed in mm is calculated from the formula:
rp1 þrp2 þr p3
r¼ 3

where: rp1 = the radius of curvature at the first measuring point,

rp2 = the radius of curvature at the second measuring point,
rp3 = the radius of curvature at the third measuring point.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 9

▼M2

Figure1
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 10

▼M2
Appendix 2 to Annex I

PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING THE H POINT AND VERIFYING

THE RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE R AND H POINTS

The relevant parts of Annex III to Directive 77/649/EEC are applicable.

 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 11

▼M2
ANNEX II

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND TESTS REQUIRED FOR EEC

COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL OF REAR-VIEW MIRRORS

1. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
1.1. All rear-view mirrors must be adjustable.

1.2. The edge of the reflecting surface must be enclosed in a protective

housing (holder, etc.) which, on its perimeter, must have a value ‘c’
greater than or equal to 2,5 mm at all points and in all directions. If
the reflecting surface projects beyond the protective housing, the
radius of curvature ‘c’ on the edge of the projecting part must be
not less than 2,5 mm and the reflecting surface must return into the
protective housing under a force of 50 N applied to the point of
greatest projection, relative to the protective housing, in a horizontal
direction, approximately parallel to the longitudinal median plane of
the vehicle.

1.3. When the rear-view mirror is mounted on a plane surface, all parts,
irrespective of the adjustment position of the device, including those
parts remaining attached to the support after the test provided for in
4.2, which are in potential, static contact with a sphere either 165 mm
in diameter in the case of an interior rear-view mirror or 100 mm in
diameter in the case of an exterior rear-view mirror, must have a
radius of curvature ‘c’ of not less than 2,5 mm.

1.3.1. Edges of fixing holes or recesses of which the diameter or longest

diagonal is less than 12 mm are exempt from the radius requirements
of item 1.3 provided that they are blunted.

1.4. The device for the attachment of rear-view mirrors to the vehicle
must be so designed that a cylinder with a 50 mm radius, having
as its axis the axis, or one of the axes, of pivot or rotation which
ensures deflection of the rear-view mirror in the direction of impact
concerned, passes through at least part of the surface to which the
device is attached.

1.5. The parts of exterior rear-view mirrors referred to in items 1.2 and 1.3
which are made of a material with a Shore A hardness not exceeding
60 are exempt from the relevant provisions.

1.6. In the case of those parts of interior rear-view mirrors which are made
of a material with a Shore A hardness of less than 50 and which are
mounted on a rigid support, the requirements of items 1.2 and 1.3
shall only apply to the support.

2. DIMENSIONS
2.1. Interior rear-view mirrors (Class I)
The dimensions of the reflecting surface must be such that it is
possible to inscribe thereon a rectangle one side of which is 4 cm
and the other ‘a’ cm in length, where

a ¼ 15 cm
1
1þ
1000
r

2.2. Main exterior rear-view mirrors (Classes II and III)

2.2.1. The dimensions of the reflecting surface must be such that it is
possible to inscribe therein:

— a rectangle 4 cm high the base length of which, measured in

centimetres, has the value ‘a’;

— a segment which is parallel to the height of the rectangle and the

length of which, expressed in centimetres, has the value ‘b’.

2.2.2. The minimum values of ‘a’ and ‘b’ are given in the table below:
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 12

▼M2

Class of
Categories of vehicles for which the
rear-view a b
rear-view mirrors are designed
mirror

II M2, M3, N2 and N3 20

17
1 þ 1000
r

III ►M5 M1, N1 and N2 ◄ 7

13
N3 (if the requirements of item 1 þ 1000
r
2.1.3 of Annex III are
applicable)

2.3. ‘Wide-angle’ exterior rear-view mirrors (Class IV)

The contours of the reflecting surface must be of simple geometric
form and its dimensions such that it provides, if necessary in
conjunction with a Class II exterior rear-view mirror, the field of
vision specified in item 5.4 of Annex III.

2.4. ‘Close-proximity’ exterior rear-view mirrors (Class V)

The contours of the reflecting surface must be of simple geometric
form and its dimensions such that the mirror provides the field of
vision specified in item 5.5 of Annex III.

3. REFLECTING SURFACE AND COEFFICIENTS OF

REFLECTION
3.1. The reflecting surface of a rear-view mirror must be either flat or
spherically convex.

3.2. Differences between the radii of curvature

3.2.1. The difference between ri or r′i and rp at each reference point must
not exceed 0,15 r.

3.2.2. The difference between any of the radii of curvature (rp1, rp2 and rp3)
and r must not exceed 0,15 r.

3.2.3. When r is not less than 3 000 mm, the value of 0,15 r quoted in items
3.2.1 and 3.2.2 is replaced by 0,25 r.

3.3. The value of ‘r’ must not be less than:

3.3.1. 1 200 mm for interior rear-view mirrors (Class I) and Class III main
exterior rear-view mirrors;

3.3.2. 1 800 mm for Class II main exterior rear-view mirrors;

3.3.3. 400 mm for ‘wide-angle’ exterior rear-view mirrors (Class IV) and
‘close-proximity’ exterior rear-view mirrors (Class V).

3.4. The value of the normal coefficient of reflection, as determined

according to the method described in Appendix I to this Annex,
must be not less than 40 %.

If the reflecting surface has two positions (‘day’ and ‘night’) the ‘day’
position must allow the colours of the signals used for road traffic to
be recognized. The value of the normal coefficient of reflection in the
‘night’ position must be not less than 4 %.

3.5. The reflecting surface must retain the characteristics laid down in
item 3.4 in spite of prolonged exposure to adverse weather conditions
in normal use.

4. TESTS
4.1. Rear-view mirrors shall be subjected to the tests described in items
4.2 and 4.3.

4.1.1. The test provided for in item 4.2 shall not be required in the case of
any exterior rear-view mirror of which no part is less than 2 m from
the ground, regardless of the adjustment position, when the vehicle is
under a load corresponding to its maximum technically permissible
weight.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 13

▼M2
This derogation also applies to the attachments of rear-view mirrors
(attachment plates, arms, swivel joints, etc.) which are situated less
than 2 m from the ground and which do not project beyond the
overall width of the vehicle, measured in the transverse plane
passing through the lowest rear-view mirror attachments or any
other point forward of this plane if this configuration produces a
greater overall width.
In such cases, a description specifying that the rear-view mirror must
be mounted so as to conform with the abovementioned conditions for
the positioning of its attachments on the vehicle must be provided.
Where advantage is taken of this derogation, the arm shall be
indelibly marked with the symbol and the type-approval certi-
ficate shall be endorsed to this effect.
4.2. Impact test
4.2.1. Description of the test rig
[Link]. The test rig consists of a pendulum capable of swinging about two
horizontal axes at right angles to each other, one of which is perpen-
dicular to the plane containing the ‘release’ trajectory of the
pendulum.
The end of the pendulum comprises a hammer formed by a rigid
sphere with a diameter of 165 ± 1 mm having a 5-mm-thick rubber
covering of Shore A hardness 50.
A device is provided which permits determination of the maximum
angle assumed by the arm in the plane of release.
A support firmly fixed to the structure of the pendulum serves to hold
the specimens in compliance with the impact requirements specified
in item [Link].
Figure 1 below gives the dimensions of the test rig and the special
design specifications.

Figure 1

[Link]. The centre of percussion of the pendulum coincides with the centre of
the sphere which forms the hammer. It is at a distance ‘1’ from the
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 14

▼M2
axis of oscillation in the release plane which is equal to 1 m ± 5 mm.
The reduced mass of the pendulum is mo = 6,8 ± 0,05 kilograms (the
relationship of ‘m’ to the total mass ‘m’ of the pendulum and to the
distance ‘d’ between the centre of gravity of the pendulum and its
axis of rotation is expressed in the equation: m0 ¼ m d1 )

4.2.2. Description of the test

[Link]. The procedure used to clamp the rear-view mirror to the support shall
be that recommended by the manufacturer of the device or, where
appropriate, by the vehicle manufacturer.

[Link]. Positioning of the rear-view mirror for the test

[Link].1. Rear-view mirrors shall be positioned on the pendulum impact rig
such that the axes which are horizontal and vertical when the rear-
view mirror is installed on a vehicle in accordance with the appli-
cant's mounting instructions are in a similar position.

[Link].2. When a rear-view mirror is adjustable with respect to the base, the
test position shall be that in which any pivoting device is least likely
to operate, within the limits of adjustment provided by the applicant.

[Link].3. When the rear-view mirror has a device for adjusting its distance
from the base, the device must be set in the position in which the
distance between the housing and the base is shortest.

[Link].4. When the reflecting surface is mobile in the housing, it shall be so

adjusted that the upper corner which is furthest from the vehicle is in
the position of greatest projection relative to the housing.

[Link]. Except in the case of test 2 for interior rear-view mirrors (see item
[Link].1), when the pendulum is in a vertical position the horizontal
and longitudinal vertical planes passing through the centre of the
hammer shall pass through the centre of the reflecting surface as
defined in item 10 of Annex I. The longitudinal direction of oscil-
lation of the pendulum shall be parallel to the longitudinal median
plane of the vehicle.

[Link]. When, under the conditions governing adjustment laid down in items
[Link] and [Link] parts of the rear-view mirror limit the return of the
hammer, the point of impact must be displaced in a direction perpen-
dicular to the axis of rotation or pivoting in question.

The displacement must be no greater than is strictly necessary for the

execution of the test; it must be limited in such a way that:

— either the sphere delimiting the hammer remains at least tangential

to the cylinder as defined in paragraph 1.4;

— or the point of contact with the hammer is located at least 10 mm

from the periphery of the reflecting surface.

[Link]. The test consists in allowing the hammer to fall from a height corre-
sponding to a pendulum angle of 60° from the vertical so that the
hammer strikes the rear-view mirror at the moment when the
pendulum reaches the vertical position.

[Link]. The rear-view mirrors are subjected to impact under the following
different conditions:

[Link].1. I n t e r i o r r e a r - v i e w m i r r o r s
Test 1: The points of impact shall be as defined in item [Link]. The
impact must be such that the hammer strikes the rear-view mirror on
the reflecting surface side.

Test 2: Point of impact on the edge of the protective housing, such

that the impact produced makes an angle of 45 ° with the plane of the
reflecting surface and is situated in the horizontal plane passing
through the centre of that surface. The impact must occur on the
reflecting surface side.

[Link].2. E x t e r i o r r e a r - v i e w m i r r o r s
Test 1: The point of impact shall be as defined in item [Link] or
[Link]. The impact must be such that the hammer strikes the rear-
view mirror on the reflecting surface side.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 15

▼M2
Test 2: The point of impact shall be as defined in item [Link] or
[Link]. The impact must be such that the hammer strikes the rear-
view mirror on the side opposite to the reflecting surface.

Where Class II or III rear-view mirrors are fixed to the same

mounting as Class IV rear-view mirrors, the abovementioned tests
shall be executed on the lower mirror. Nevertheless, the technical
service responsible for testing may repeat one or both of these tests
on the upper mirror if this is less than 2 m from the ground.

4.3. Bending test on the protective housing fixed to the stem

4.3.1. This test shall be performed on all rear-view mirrors with the
exception of those in Class V.

4.3.2. Description of the test

The protective housing is placed horizontally in a device in such a
way that the adjustment parts of the mounting can be clamped
securely. In the direction of the greatest dimension of the housing,
the end nearest to the point of fixing on the adjustment part is
immobilized by means of a fixed stop 15 mm wide covering the
entire width of the housing.

At the other end, a stop identical to the one described above is placed
on the housing so that the specified test load can be applied to it
(Figure 2).

The end of the housing opposite that at which the force is applied
may be clamped instead of simply blocked, as shown in Figure 2.

Example of bending-test apparatus for rear-view mirror holders

Figure 2

4.3.3. The test load is 25 kilograms. It is applied for one minute.

5. RESULTS OF THE TEST

5.1. In the tests described in item 4.2, the pendulum must continue to
swing after impact in such a way that the projection of the position
assumed by the arm on the plane of release makes an angle of at least
20 ° with the vertical.

The accuracy of measurement of the angle shall be within ± 1 °.

5.1.1. This requirement is not applicable to rear-view mirrors stuck to the

windscreen, in respect of which the requirement stipulated in item 5.2
shall apply after the test.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 16

▼M2
5.1.2. The required pendulum angle of return to the vertical is reduced from
20 ° to 10 ° for all Class II rear-view mirrors and for Class III rear-
view mirrors which are fitted on the mounting normally used with
Class IV rear-view mirrors.
5.2. Should the mounting of the rear-view mirror break during the tests
described in item 4.2. for rear-view mirrors stuck to the windscreen,
the part remaining must not project beyond the base by more than
1 cm and the configuration remaining after the test must satisfy the
conditions laid down in item 1.3.
5.3. The reflecting surface must not break during the tests described in
items 4.2 and 4.3. However breakage of the reflecting surface will be
allowed if one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
5.3.1. the fragments of glass still adhere to the back of the housing or to a
surface firmly attached to the housing; partial separation of the glass
from its backing is admissible provided this does not exceed 2,5 mm
on either side of the cracks. It is permissible for small splinters to
become detached from the surface of the glass at the point of impact;
5.3.2. the reflecting surface is made of safety glass.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 17

▼M2
Appendix 1 to Annex II

TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINING REFLECTIVITY

1. DEFINITIONS
1.1. CIE standard illuminant A (1): Colorimetric illuminant, respecting the full
radiator at T68 = 2855,6 K.
1.2. CIE standard source A (1): Gas-filled tungsten filament lamp operating at
a correlated colour temperature of T68 = 2855,6 K.
1.3. CIE 1931 standard colorimetric observer (1): Receptor of radiation whose
colorimetric characteristics correspond to the spectral tristimulus values x
(λ), y (λ), z (λ) (see table).
1.4. CIE spectral tristimulus values (1): Tristimulus values of the spectral
components of an equi-energy spectrum in the CIE (XYZ) system.
1.5. Photopic vision (1): Vision by the normal eye when it is adapted to levels
of luminance of at least several candelas per square metre.
2. APPARATUS
2.1. General
The apparatus shall consist of a light source, a holder for the test sample,
a receiver unit with a photo-detector and an indicating meter (see Figure
1), and means of eliminating the effects of extraneous light.
The receiver may incorporate a light-integrating sphere to facilitate
measuring the reflectance of non-flat (convex) mirrors (see Figure 2).
2.2. Spectral characteristics of light source and receiver
The light source shall consist of a CIE standard source A and associated
optics to provide a near-collimated light beam. A voltage stabilizer is
recommended in order to maintain a fixed lamp voltage during
instrument operation.
The receiver shall have a photodetector with a spectral response propor-
tional to the photopic luminosity function of the CIE (1931) standard
colorimetric observer (see table). Any other combination of illuminant-
filter-receptor giving the overall equivalent of CIE standard illuminant A
and photopic vision may be used. When an integrating sphere is used in
the receiver, the interior surface of the sphere shall be coated with a matt
(diffusive) spectrally non-selective white coating.
2.3. Geometrical conditions
The angle of the incident beam (Θ) should preferably be 0,44 ± 0,09 rad
(25 ± 5°) from the perpendicular to the test surface and shall not exceed
the upper limit of the tolerance (i.e. 0,53 rad or 30°). The axis of the
receptor shall make an angle (Θ) with this perpendicular equal to that of
the incident beam (see Figure 1). The incident beam upon arrival at the
test surface shall have a diameter of not less than 19 mm (0,75 in.). The
reflected beam shall not be wider than the sensitive area of the photo-
detector, shall not cover less than 50 % of such area, and as nearly as
possible shall cover the same area segment as used during instrument
calibration.
When an integrating sphere is used in the receiver section, the sphere
shall have a minimum diameter of 127 mm (5 in.). The sample and
incident beam apertures in the sphere wall shall be of such a size as
to admit the entire incident and reflected light beams. The photodetector
shall be so located as not to receive direct light from either the incident
or the reflected beam.
2.4. Electrical characteristics of the photodetector-indicator unit
The photodetector output as read on the indicating meter shall be a linear
function of the light intensity of the photsensitive area. Means (electrical
and/or optical) shall be provided to facilitate zeroing and calibration
adjustments. Such means shall not affect the linearity or the spectral
characteristics of the instrument. The accuracy of the receptor-indicator

(1) Definitions taken from CIE publication 50 (45), International Electronical Vocabulary,
Group 45: Lighting.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 18

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unit shall be within ± 2 % of full scale, or ± 10 % of the magnitude of
the reading, whichever is the smaller.
2.5. Sample holder
The mechanism shall be capable of locating the test sample so that the
axes of the source arm and receptor intersect at the reflecting surface.
The reflecting surface may lie within or at either face of the mirror
sample, depending on whether it is a first-surface, second-surface or
prismatic ‘flip’-type mirror.
3. PROCEDURE
3.1. Direct calibration method
In the direct calibration method, air is used as the reference standard.
This method is applicable for those instruments which are so constructed
as to permit calibration at the 100 % point by swinging the receiver to a
position directly on the axis of the light source (see Figure 1).
It may be desired in some cases (such as when measuring low-reflec-
tivity surfaces) to use an intermediate calibration point (between 0 and
100 % on the scale) with this method. In these cases, a neutral density
filter of known transmittance shall be inserted in the optical path, and the
calibration control shall then be adjusted until the meter reads the
percentage transmission of the neutral density filter. This filter shall be
removed before reflectivity measurements are performed.
3.2. Indirect calibration method
The indirect calibration method is applicable in the case of instruments
with fixed source and receiver geometry. A properly calibrated and
maintained reflectance standard is required. This reference standard
should preferably be a flat mirror with a reflectance value as near as
possible to that of the test samples.
3.3. Flat mirror measurement
The reflectance of flat mirror samples can be measured on instruments
employing either the direct or the indirect calibration method. The
reflectance value is read directly from the indicating meter.
3.4. Non-flat (convex) mirror measurement
Measurement of the reflectance of non-flat (convex) mirrors requires the
use of instruments which incorporate an integrating sphere in the receiver
unit (see Figure 2). If the instrument indicating meter indicates ne
divisions with a standard mirror of E % reflectance, then, with a
mirror of unknown reflectance, nx divisions will correspond to a
reflectance of X %, in accordance with the formula:
nx
X¼E
ne
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 19

▼M2

Figure 1. Generalized reflectometer showing geometries for the two calibration methods

Figure 2. Generalized reflectometer incorporating an integrating sphere in the receiver

 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 20

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Spectral tristimulus values for the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric observer
( 1)

This table is taken from CIE publication 50 (45) (1970)

λ
x (λ) y (λ) z (λ)
nm

380 0,001 4 0,000 0 0,006 5

390 0,004 2 0,000 1 0,020 1
400 0,014 3 0,000 4 0,067 9
410 0,043 5 0,001 2 0,207 4
420 0,134 4 0,004 0 0,645 6
430 0,283 9 0,011 6 1,385 6
440 0,348 3 0,023 0 1,747 1
450 0,336 2 0,038 0 1,772 1
460 0,290 8 0,060 0 1,669 2
470 0,195 4 0,091 0 1,287 6
480 0,095 6 0,139 0 0,813 0
490 0,032 0 0,208 0 0,465 2
500 0,004 9 0,323 0 0,272 0
510 0,009 3 0,503 0 0,158 2
520 0,063 3 0,710 0 0,078 2
530 0,165 5 0,862 0 0,042 2
540 0,290 4 0,954 0 0,020 3
550 0,433 4 0,995 0 0,008 7
560 0,594 5 0,995 0 0,003 9
570 0,762 1 0,952 0 0,002 1
580 0,916 3 0,870 0 0,001 7
590 1,026 3 0,757 0 0,001 1
600 1,062 2 0,631 0 0,000 8
610 1,002 6 0,503 0 0,000 3
621 0,854 4 0,381 0 0,000 2
630 0,642 4 0,265 0 0,000 0
640 0,447 9 0,175 0 0,000 0
650 0,283 5 0,107 0 0,000 0
660 0,164 9 0,061 0 0,000 0
670 0,087 4 0,032 0 0,000 0
680 0,046 8 0,017 0 0,000 0
690 0,022 7 0,008 2 0,000 0
700 0,011 4 0,004 1 0,000 0
710 0,005 8 0,002 1 0,000 0
720 0,002 9 0,001 0 0,000 0
730 0,001 4 0,000 5 0,000 0
740 0,000 7 0,000 2 (2) 0,000 0
750 0,000 3 0,000 1 0,000 0
760 0,000 2 0,000 1 0,000 0
770 0,000 1 0,000 0 0,000 0
780 0,000 0 0,000 0 0,000 0
(1) Abridged table. The values of y ( λ ) = V ( λ ) are rounded off to four decimal places.
(2) Changed in 1966 from 3 to 2.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 21

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Appendix 2 to Annex II

CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE EEC COMPONENT TYPE-

APPROVAL AND MARKING OF REAR-VIEW MIRRORS

1. APPLICATION FOR EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL

1.1. Application for EEC component type-approval for a type of rear-view
mirror shall be made by the holder of the trade mark or name, or by his
authorized representative.
1.2. For each type of rear-view mirror the application shall be accompanied
by:
1.2.1. a technical description, specifying in particular the type(s) of vehicle for
which the rear-view mirror is intended;
1.2.2. sufficiently detailed drawings for identification of the rear-view mirror,
together with instructions for mounting: the drawings must show the
proposed position of the component type-approval number and the addi-
tional symbol in relation to the rectangle which forms part of the EEC
component type-approval mark;
1.2.3. four rear-view mirrors: three for use in the tests and one to be retained
by the laboratory for any further examination that might subsequently
prove necessary. Additional specimens may be called for at the request
of the laboratory.
2. INSCRIPTIONS
Specimens of a type of rear-view mirror submitted for EEC component
type-approval must bear the applicant's clearly visible and indelible trade
mark or name and must allow sufficient space for the inscription of the
EEC component type-approval mark; this space must be indicated in the
diagrams referred to in item 1.2.2.
3. EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL
3.1. EEC component type-approval shall be granted and a component type-
approval number issued in respect of any rear-view mirror submitted in
accordance with the provisions of item 1 above which satisfies the
requirements of items 1 to 5 of Annex II.
3.2. This number shall not be assigned to any other type of rear-view mirror.
4. MARKING
4.1. Any rear-view mirror conforming to a type in respect of which
component type-approval has been granted pursuant to this Directive
shall bear an EEC component type-approval mark.
4.2. The EEC component type-approval mark shall consist of a rectangle
surrounding the lower case letter ‘e’ followed by the distinguishing
letter(s) or number of the Member State which has granted the
component type-approval: ►A3 (1 for Germany, 2 for France, 3 for
Italy, 4 for the Netherlands, ►A4 5 for Sweden, ◄ 6 for Belgium,
►A5 7 for Hungary, 8 for the Czech Republic, ◄ 9 for Spain, 11
for the United Kingdom, ►A4 12 for Austria, ◄ 13 for Luxembourg,
►A4 17 for Finland, ◄ 18 for Denmark, ►A5 ►M6 19 for
Romania, ◄20 for Poland, 26 for Slovenia, 27 for Slovakia, 29 for
Estonia, 32 for Latvia, ►M6 34 for Bulgaria, ◄36 for Lithuania, CY
for Cyprus, ◄ ►M4 EL for Greece ◄, IRL for Ireland, ►A5 MT for
Malta, ◄ P for Portugal) ◄. It must also include in the vicinity of the
rectangle the EEC component type-approval number. This number shall
consist of the component type-approval number shown on the certificate
completed for the type (see Appendix 3), preceded by two figures indi-
cating the sequence number of the latest amendment to Council Directive
71/127/EEC on the date EEC component type-approval was granted. The
amendment sequence number and the component type-approval number
shown on the certificate shall be separated by an asterisk. In this
Directive the sequence number is 02. ►M3 Sequence number 01
may, however, be retained for Class I, II and III rear-view mirrors if
the requirements relating to these three classes of mirror remain
unchanged. ◄
4.3. The EEC component type-approval mark shall be completed by the
addition of the symbol I or II or III or IV or V, specifying the class
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 22

▼M2
to which the type of rear-view mirror belongs. The additional symbol
shall be placed in any convenient position in the vicinity of the rectangle
containing the letter ‘e’.
4.4. The EEC component type-approval mark and the additional symbol shall
be indelibly inscribed on an integral part of the rear-view mirror in such
a way as to be clearly visible even after the rear-view mirror has been
mounted on a vehicle.
4.5. Four examples of EEC component type-approval marks, completed by
the additional symbol are given below.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 23

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Examples of EEC component type-approval marks and the additional
symbol

Example No 1

The rear-view mirror bearing the EEC component type-approval mark shown
above is a Class I mirror (interior rear-view), which has been type-approved in
France (e2) under the number 02 * 35.

Example No 2

The rear-view mirror bearing the EEC component type-approval mark shown
above is a Class II mirror (exterior rear-view), which has been type-approved
in the Netherlands (e4) under the number 02 * 187.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 24

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Example No 3

The rear-view mirror bearing the EEC component type-approval mark shown
above is a Class V mirror (exterior rear-view ‘reversing’) which has been
type-approved in Greece (eGR) under the number 02 * 39.

Example No 4

The rear-view mirror bearing the EEC component type-approval mark shown
above is a Class IV mirror (exterior rear-view ‘wide-angle’), which has been
type-approved in Italy (e3) under the number 02 * 1248.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 25

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Appendix 3 to Annex II

MODEL EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE FOR A REAR-VIEW

MIRROR
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 26

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ANNEX III

REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE FITTING OF REAR-VIEW

MIRRORS TO VEHICLES

1. GENERAL
1.1. Rear-view mirrors must be fitted in such a way that the mirror does not
move so as significantly to change the field of vision as measured or
vibrate to an extent which would cause the driver to misinterpret the
nature of the image perceived.
1.2. The conditions laid down in item 1.1 must be maintained when the
vehicle is moving at speeds of up to 80 % of its maximum design
speed, but not exceeding 150 km/h.
▼M3
1.3. Vehicles having received EEC type-approval in respect of the fitting of
their rear-view mirrors in pursuance of this Directive may, either fully
or in part, be fitted with Class I, II or III rear-view mirrors bearing
within their EEC component type-approval number sequence number
01, on condition that the requirements relating to these three classes of
rear-view mirror remain unchanged.
▼M2
2. NUMBER
2.1. Minimum number of compulsory rear-view mirrors
▼M5
2.1.1. The fields of vision prescribed in point 5 shall be obtained from the
minimum number of mandatory rear-view mirrors set out in the
following table:
▼M5
External rear-view mirrors

Inside rear-view mirrors

Category Main rear-view mirrors Close-proximity rear-view
Class I Wide-angle rear-view mirrors
mirrors
Class IV
Class II Class III Class V

M1 1 — 1 — —
(see, however, point 2.1.2) (see, however, point on the side opposite the
[Link]) direction followed by the
traffic (see, however, point
2.2.1)

M2 — 2 — — —
(1 on the left and 1 on the (see, however, point 2.2.4) (see, however points 2.2.2
right) and 3.7)

M3 — 2 — — —
(1 on the left and 1 on the (see, however, point 2.2.4) (see, however, points 2.2.2
right) and 3.7)

N1 1 — 1 — —
(see, however, point 2.1.2) (see, however, point on the side opposite the (see, however, point 2.2.4)
[Link]) direction followed by the
traffic (see, however, point
2.2.1)

N2 ≤ 7,5 tonnes — 2 — — —
(see, however, point 2.2.3) (1 on the left and 1 on the (see, however, point 2.1.3) (see, however, point 2.1.4) (see, however, points 2.2.2
right) and 3.7)

N2 > 7,5 tonnes — 2 — 1 —

(see, however, point 2.2.3) (1 on the left and 1 on the (see, however, point 2.1.3) (see, however, point 3.7)
right)

N3 — 2 — 1 1
(see, however, point 2.2.3) (1 on the left and 1 on the (see, however, point 2.1.3) (see, however, point 3.7)
right)
1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 27
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2.1.2. Nevertheless, in the case of vehicles in categories M1 and N1:
[Link]. if the interior rear-view mirror does not satisfy the requirements laid
down in item 5.2, a second exterior rear-view mirror must be fitted to
the side of the vehicle opposite that of the compulsory rear-view mirror
referred to in item 2.1.1 above;
[Link]. if the interior rear-view mirror does not provide any rearward vision, its
presence shall not be required;
[Link]. Class II exterior rear-view mirrors are admissible.
2.1.3. ►M5 However, ◄ if the design ►M5 , for category N2 and N3
vehicles ◄ makes it technically impossible to obtain the fields of
vision specified in items [Link] and 5.4 when a Class IV rear-view
mirror is fitted to the same mounting as a Class II rear-view mirror, the
latter may be replaced by a Class III rear-view mirror.
This derogation shall apply only until 1 October 1992.
▼M5
2.1.4. A Class IV rear-view mirror is mandatory on all category N2 vehicles
having a maximum mass not exceeding 7,5 tonnes if the mandatory
Class II rear-view mirror, fitted to the same side, is not convex.
▼M2
2.2. Maximum number of optional rear-view mirrors
2.2.1. In the case of vehicles of category M1 and N1, an exterior rear-view
mirror may be fitted on the side of the vehicle opposite to that on
which the compulsory exterior rear-view mirror referred to in item
2.1.1 is fitted.
▼M5
2.2.2. A Class V outside rear-view mirror is acceptable for category N2
vehicles having a maximum mass not exceeding 7,5 tonnes, and for
category M2 and M3 vehicles.
▼M2
2.2.3. An interior rear-view mirror may be fitted to vehicles in categories N2
and N3.
▼M5
2.2.4. A Class IV outside rear-view mirror is acceptable for N2 vehicles
having a maximum mass not exceeding 7,5 tonnes, and for category
M2 and M3 vehicles.
▼M2
2.2.5. The rear-view mirrors referred to in items 2.2.1 to 2.2.4 must satisfy
the requirements of this Directive.
Nevertheless, the provisions of item 5 of this Annex shall not apply to
the rear-view mirrors referred to in item 2.2.3.
2.2.6. The provisions of this Directive do not apply to the surveillance rear-
view mirrors defined in item 4 of Annex I. Nevertheless, these rear-
view mirrors must be mounted at least 2 m above the ground when the
vehicle is under a load corresponding to its maximum permissible all-
up weight.
3. POSITION
3.1. Rear-view mirrors must be so placed that the driver, when sitting on
the driving seat, in a normal driving position, has a clear view of the
road to the rear and side(s) of the vehicle.
3.2. Exterior rear-view mirrors shall be visible through the side windows or
through the portion of the windscreen that is swept by the windscreen
wiper. Nevertheless, for design reasons this provision shall not apply to
exterior rear-view mirrors fitted on the right side of vehicles of cate-
gories M2 and M3 in Member States with right-hand rule of the road
and on the left side of vehicles of the same categories in Member
States with left-hand rule of the road.
3.3. In the case of any vehicle which is in chassis/cab form when the field
of vision is measured, the minimum and maximum body widths shall
be stated by the manufacturer and, if necessary, simulated by dummy
headboards. All vehicles and mirror configurations taken into consid-
eration during the tests shall be shown on the EEC type-approval
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 29

▼M2
certificate for a vehicle with regard to the installation of rear-view
mirrors (see Appendix).
3.4. The prescribed exterior rear-view mirror on the driver's side of the
vehicle must be so located that an angle of not more than 55° is
formed between the vertical longitudinal median plane of the vehicle
and the vertical plane passing through the centre of the rear-view
mirror and through the centre of the straight line 65 mm long which
joins the driver's two ocular points.
3.5. Rear-view mirrors must not project beyond the external bodywork of
the vehicle substantially more than is necessary to comply with the
requirements concerning fields of vision laid down in item 5.
3.6. Where the lower edge of an exterior rear-view mirror is less than 2 m
above the ground when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum
permissible all-up weight, this rear-view mirror must not project
more than 0,20 m beyond the overall width of the vehicle measured
without rear-view mirrors.
3.7. Class V rear-view mirrors shall be mounted on vehicles in such a way
that, regardless of their position after adjustment, no part of these
mirrors or their holders is less than 2 m from the ground when the
vehicle is under a load corresponding to its maximum permissible all-
up weight.
These rear-view mirrors shall not, however, be mounted on vehicles the
cab height of which is such as to prevent compliance with this
requirement.
3.8. Subject to the requirements of items 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7, rear-view mirrors
may project beyond the permissible maximum widths of vehicles.
4. ADJUSTMENT
4.1. The interior rear-view mirror must be capable of being adjusted by the
driver from his driving position.
4.2. The exterior rear-view mirror situated on the driver's side must be
capable of being adjusted from inside the vehicle while the door is
closed, although the window may be open. The mirror may, however,
be locked in position from the outside.
4.3. The requirements of item 4.2 do not apply to exterior rear-view mirrors
which, after having been knocked out of alignment, can be returned to
their former position without the need for adjustment.
5. FIELDS OF VISION
5.1. General
The fields of vision defined below must apply in respect of ambi-
nocular vision, the eyes being at the ‘driver's ocular points’ as
defined in item 12 of Annex I above. The fields of vision shall be
determined when the vehicle is in running order as defined in item 2.6
of Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC and is carrying in addition one
front-seat passenger, the mass of the passenger being 75
kilograms ± 1 %. They must be established through windows which
have a total light transmission factor of at least 70 % measured perpen-
dicularly to the surface.
5.2. Interior rear-view mirror (Class I)
The field of vision must be such that the driver can see at least a 20-m-
wide, flat, horizontal portion of the road centred on the vertical long-
itudinal median plane of the vehicle and extending from 60 m behind
the driver's ocular points (Figure 3) to the horizon.
5.3. Main exterior rear-view mirrors (Classes II and III)
5.3.1. Left-hand exterior rear-view mirror for vehicles driven on the right of
the road and right-hand exterior rear-view mirror for vehicles driven
on the left of the road
[Link]. The field of vision must be such that the driver can see at least a 2,50-
m-wide, flat, horizontal portion of the road, which is bounded on the
right (in the case of vehicles driven on the right), or on the left (in the
case of vehicles driven on the left) by the plane which is parallel to the
median longitudinal vertical plane passing through the outermost point
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 30

▼M2
of the vehicle on the left (in the case of vehicles driven on the right), or
on the right (in the case of vehicles driven on the left) and extends
from 10 m behind the driver's ocular points to the horizon (Figures 4
and 5).
5.3.2. Right-hand exterior rear-view mirror for vehicles driven on the right
and left-hand exterior rear-view mirror for vehicles driven on the left
[Link]. In the case of category M1 vehicles and category N1 vehicles having a
maximum weight not exceeding 2 tonnes, the field of vision must be
such that the driver can see at least a 4-m-wide flat, horizontal portion
of the road which is bounded on the left (in the case of vehicles driven
on the right), or on the right (in the case of vehicles driven on the left)
by a plane parallel to the median longitudinal vertical plane passing
through the outermost point of the vehicle on the right (in the case of
vehicles driven on the right) or on the left (in the case of vehicles
driven on the left) and which extends from 20 m behind the driver's
ocular points to the horizon (see Figure 4).
[Link]. In the case of vehicles other than those referred to in item [Link]
above, the field of vision must be such that the driver can see at
least a 3,50-m-wide, flat, horizontal portion of the road, which is
bounded on the left (in the case of vehicles driven on the right), or
on the right (in the case of vehicles driven on the left) by a plane
parallel to the median longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle and
passing through the outermost point of the vehicle on the right (in the
case of vehicles driven on the right) or on the left (in the case of
vehicles driven on the left) and which extends from 30 m behind the
driver's ocular points to the horizon.
In addition, the road must be visible to the driver over a width of
0,75 m, from a point 4 m behind the vertical plane passing through
the driver's ocular points (Figure 5).
5.4. ‘Wide-angle’ exterior rear-view mirror (Class IV)
5.4.1. The field of vision must be such that the driver can see at least a 12,50-
m-wide, flat, horizontal portion of the road, which is bounded on the
left (in the case of vehicles driven on the right), or on the right (in the
case of vehicles driven on the left) by a plane parallel to the median
longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle and passing through the
outermost point of the vehicle on the right (in the case of vehicles
driven on the right) or on the left (in the case of vehicles driven on
the left) and which extends from at least 15 m to 25 m behind the
driver's ocular points. In addition, the road must be visible to the driver
over a width of 2,5 m, from a point 3 m behind the vertical plane
passing through the driver's ocular points (see Figure 6).
5.5. ‘Close-proximity’ exterior rear-view mirror (Class V)
The field of vision must be such that the driver can see a flat horizontal
portion of the road along the side of the vehicle, bounded by the
following vertical planes (see Figures 7a and 7b):
5.5.1. the plane parallel to the median longitudinal vertical plane of the
vehicle which passes through a point 0,2 m beyond the outermost
point of the vehicle cab on the right ►M5 (for left-hand drive
vehicles) ◄ or on the left ►M5 (for right-hand drive vehicles) ◄;
5.5.2. in the transverse direction, the parallel plane passing at a distance of
1 m in front of the plane mentioned in item 5.5.1;
5.5.3. to the rear, the plane parallel to the vertical plane passing through the
driver's ocular points and situated at a distance of 1,25 m behind that
plane;
5.5.4. to the front, the plane parallel to the vertical plane passing through the
driver's ocular points and situated at a distance of 1 m in front of that
plane. If the vertical transverse plane passing through the leading edge
of the vehicle bumper is less than 1 m in front of the vertical plane
passing through the driver's ocular points, the field of vision shall be
limited to that plane (see Figure 7b).
5.6. In the case of rear-view mirrors consisting of several reflecting surfaces
which are either of different curvature or make an angle with each
other, at least one of the reflecting surfaces must provide the field of
vision and have the dimensions (see item 2.2.2 of Annex II) specified
for the class to which they belong.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 31

▼M2
5.7. Obstructions
5.7.1. Interior rear-view mirror (Class I)
[Link]. A reduction in the field of vision due to the presence of devices such as
head-restraints, sun-visors, rear window wipers and heating elements is
permissible, provided that all these devices together do not obscure
more than 15 % of the specified field of vision.
[Link]. The degree of obstruction is measured with the headrests adjusted to
their lowest possible position and with the sun-visors folded back.
5.7.2. Exterior rear-view mirrors (Classes II, III, IV and V)
In the fields of vision specified above, obstruction due to the bodywork
and some of its components, such as door handles, outline marker
lights, direction indicators and the extremities of rear bumpers, as
well as reflective-surface cleaning components, shall not be taken
into account if they are responsible for a total obstruction of less
than 10 % of the specified field of vision.
5.8. Test procedure
The field of vision shall be determined by placing powerful light
sources at the ocular points and examining the light reflected on the
vertical monitoring screen. Other, equivalent, methods may be used.
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 32

▼M2

Interiorrear  viewmirror

Figure 3
 ▼M2

Main exterior rear  view mirrors

Vehicle driven on the right of the road

Figure 4

Vehicle category M1 and category N 1 not exceeding 2 tonnes in weight

1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 33
 ▼M2

}}
Figure 5

Vehicles in categories other than M1 andN 1 not exceeding 2 tonnes in weight

1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 34
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 35

▼M2

Figure 6
Wide-angle rear-view mirror

Figure 7
‘Close-proximity’ exterior rear-view mirror
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 36

▼M2
Appendix to Annex III

ANNEX TO THE EEC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE FOR A VEHICLE WITH

REGARD TO THE INSTALLATION OF REAR-VIEW MIRRORS

(Articles 4 (2) and 10 of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on the approximation
of the laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers)
 1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.2007 — 011.001 — 37

▼M2