3D Print Mirror Delete Covers (now printed in stainless steel)

[EXPTREVER]

Nice work! I personally like the side mirrors and wouldn’t remove them even if Tesla themselves provided a cover. Towing without mirrors and only cameras would be super hard. However these covers look slick and I would use them if I removed the mirrors.

Sponsored

 

[Nexus6]

According to this summary of state mirror requirements, only 15 states require two or more mirrors on a vehicle. A CT without side mirrors, but retaining the rear view interior mirror, meets the requirements of the remaining 35 states provided the tonneau cover is retracted. Of course, driving with the tonneau up defeats any efficiency gains by removing the side mirrors.

The intent of these laws is to insure that the driver has reasonable visibility to traffic behind and to the sides of the vehicle. As I see it, the CT meets the intent of these laws using camera displays, but having to convince a judge of that is not something I look forward to doing. There's also the matter of liability in the case of an accident. The other party's insurance company could claim that I was at fault due to not having the required mirrors on my truck.

It's almost impossible to prevent pin-striping the side mirrors when traveling off-road on brush lined trails. I already broke the plastic housing of the driver side mirror, and need to decide to replace it or not. If I get to the point of feeling safe using on the CT's camera displays in all driving situations, I'll likely remove the side mirrors like an infected appendix.

Maybe just stick a small rectangular mirror on top of the delete panel to “comply” with the vehicle code of having a “mirror”.?

 

[TickTock]

According to this summary of state mirror requirements, only 15 states require two or more mirrors on a vehicle. A CT without side mirrors, but retaining the rear view interior mirror, meets the requirements of the remaining 35 states provided the tonneau cover is retracted. Of course, driving with the tonneau up defeats any efficiency gains by removing the side mirrors.

The intent of these laws is to insure that the driver has reasonable visibility to traffic behind and to the sides of the vehicle. As I see it, the CT meets the intent of these laws using camera displays, but having to convince a judge of that is not something I look forward to doing. There's also the matter of liability in the case of an accident. The other party's insurance company could claim that I was at fault due to not having the required mirrors on my truck.

It's almost impossible to prevent pin-striping the side mirrors when traveling off-road on brush lined trails. I already broke the plastic housing of the driver side mirror, and need to decide to replace it or not. If I get to the point of feeling safe using on the CT's camera displays in all driving situations, I'll likely remove the side mirrors like an infected appendix.

Interesting. Do you know how they populated this table? It says two required for Arizona but the law I was able to find said that was only required if you did not have a clear view behind the vehicle. Did not say without the use of electronics or mirrors.

 

[Cybergirl]

Interesting. Do you know how they populated this table? It says two required for Arizona but the law I was able to find said that was only required if you did not have a clear view behind the vehicle. Did not say without the use of electronics or mirrors.

Current Arizona law on the subject of vehicle equipment states:

A motor vehicle that is constructed or loaded in a manner that obstructs the driver's view to the rear of the vehicle from the driver's position shall be equipped with two mirrors located in a manner to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle. This section does not apply to a fully autonomous vehicle that is incapable of operation by a human driver.

A.R.S. § 28-956

Amended by L. 2021, ch. 117,s. 11, eff. 9/29/2021.

So you're right, the table is wrong on that point. Arizona doesn't require two mirrors. Furthermore, Arizona law doesn't explicitly state how a clear view 200 feet to the rear of a vehicle is to be achieved unlike, say, Illinois which does. If the vehicle is constructed or loaded to obstruct such visibility, two side mirrors are then required. Since the CT provides a means to provide a view to the rear of the vehicle for 200 feet using a camera and display, one could argue that mirrors on the CT are not required.

 

[TickTock]

Also, the camera button on the steering wheel will toggle to the map+rearview and back to the full camera view so it is easy flip back and forth.

Thanks for the tip. I will give it a try.

I realized this morning that the steering wheel button isn't so much a toggle as a "smart" button. It seems like a toggle to and from the full camera view when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly but at speed it will not return to the full view. You have to use the app icon on the screen to get back to full camera view at speed.

 

[Cybergirl]

I realized this morning that the steering wheel button isn't so much a toggle as a "smart" button. It seems like a toggle to and from the full camera view when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly but at speed it will not return to the full view. You have to use the app icon on the screen to get back to full camera view at speed.

Ahh, too bad. I'm going to try leaving the camera displays up to see if that works for me. I'm supposed to get my truck back today with both drive units replaced.

 

[Cybergirl]

I took a closer look at vehicle mirror laws in all 50 U.S. states.

LIST A - There are 14 states that require two mirrors including a driver's side mirror:
Alaska
California*
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana*
Maryland*
Michigan*
North Carolina*
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
Utah
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

* Applies to in state registered vehicles only

Example, Oklahoma:
47-12-403. Mirrors.
A. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the motor vehicle.

B. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

LIST B - There are 14 states whose statutes do not explicitly require a mirror as long as the driver has an unobstructed view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of at least 200 feet. One can argue that the cameras provide that:
Arizona
Indiana
Maine
Michigan (out of state vehicles only)
Minnesota (specifically allows alternatives to mirrors)
Mississippi
Missouri
New Hampshire
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont

Example, Minnesota:
169.70 REAR VIEW MIRROR.
Every motor vehicle constructed, loaded, or connected with another vehicle that obstructs the driver's view to the rear from the driver's position must be equipped with a mirror or other technology that reflects or displays to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. [the underlining is mine]

[Kudos to Minnesota lawmakers]

Example, Arizona:
28-956. Mirrors; exception
A motor vehicle that is constructed or loaded in a manner that obstructs the driver's view to the rear of the vehicle from the driver's position shall be equipped with two mirrors located in a manner to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle. This section does not apply to a fully autonomous vehicle that is incapable of operation by a human driver.

[The Cybertruck is constructed with rear view cameras that provide a view to the rear, so mirrors not needed]

Example, South Carolina:
56-5-4990 Mirrors.
Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position 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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

[The Cybertruck is constructed with rear view cameras that provide a view to the rear, so mirror not needed]

LIST C - The remaining 23 states require a mirror but do not specify its location on the vehicle as long as it provides an unobstructed view of the road behind the vehicle for at least 200 feet.
Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Massachusetts
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
South Dakota
Texas
West Virginia

Example, Illinois:
Section 625 ILCS 5/12-502 - Mirrors
Every motor vehicle, operated singly or when towing another vehicle, 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 motor vehicle.

Example, Texas:
547.602. Mirrors Required
A motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle used to tow another vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.

My interpretation of these statutes tells me:

1) One should be able to drive a CT legally in all 50 states with the passenger side mirror removed provided the tonneau cover is left up and the interior rear view mirror is unobstructed.

2) One should be able to drive legally in 41 states (LIST B + LIST C + LIST A*) with both side mirrors removed provided the tonneau cover is left up and the interior rear view mirror is unobstructed.

3) One should be able to drive legally in 14 states (see LIST B) with both side mirrors removed with the tonneau cover down using the camera displays for a clear view behind the vehicle. I would carry a copy of the statute if stopped.

4) One can't drive legally in 36 states (LIST A + LIST C) with both side mirrors removed and the tonneau cover down relying on the camera displays for a clear view behind the vehicle. I would expect to be stopped eventually, and if not prepared to pay a fine or contest a ticket in traffic court, it's best to leave the mirrors on. On the other hand, since the intent of the statues, i.e., driving safety, is achieved via the use of cameras, I would expect a reasonable officer to let it go.

 

[TickTock]

I took a closer look at vehicle mirror laws in all 50 U.S. states.

LIST A - There are 14 states that require two mirrors including a driver's side mirror:
Alaska
California*
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana*
Maryland*
Michigan*
North Carolina*
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
Utah
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

* Applies to in state registered vehicles only

Example, Oklahoma:
47-12-403. Mirrors.
A. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the motor vehicle.

B. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

LIST B - There are 14 states whose statutes do not explicitly require a mirror as long as the driver has an unobstructed view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of at least 200 feet. One can argue that the cameras provide that:
Arizona
Indiana
Maine
Michigan (out of state vehicles only)
Minnesota (specifically allows alternatives to mirrors)
Mississippi
Missouri
New Hampshire
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont

Example, Minnesota:
169.70 REAR VIEW MIRROR.
Every motor vehicle constructed, loaded, or connected with another vehicle that obstructs the driver's view to the rear from the driver's position must be equipped with a mirror or other technology that reflects or displays to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. [the underlining is mine]

[Kudos to Minnesota lawmakers]

Example, Arizona:
28-956. Mirrors; exception
A motor vehicle that is constructed or loaded in a manner that obstructs the driver's view to the rear of the vehicle from the driver's position shall be equipped with two mirrors located in a manner to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle. This section does not apply to a fully autonomous vehicle that is incapable of operation by a human driver.

[The Cybertruck is constructed with rear view cameras that provide a view to the rear, so mirrors not needed]

Example, South Carolina:
56-5-4990 Mirrors.
Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position 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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

[The Cybertruck is constructed with rear view cameras that provide a view to the rear, so mirror not needed]

LIST C - The remaining 23 states require a mirror but do not specify its location on the vehicle as long as it provides an unobstructed view of the road behind the vehicle for at least 200 feet.
Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Massachusetts
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
South Dakota
Texas
West Virginia

Example, Illinois:
Section 625 ILCS 5/12-502 - Mirrors
Every motor vehicle, operated singly or when towing another vehicle, 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 motor vehicle.

Example, Texas:
547.602. Mirrors Required
A motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle used to tow another vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.

My interpretation of these statutes tells me:

1) One should be able to drive a CT legally in all 50 states with the passenger side mirror removed provided the tonneau cover is left up and the interior rear view mirror is unobstructed.

2) One should be able to drive legally in 41 states (LIST B + LIST C + LIST A*) with both side mirrors removed provided the tonneau cover is left up and the interior rear view mirror is unobstructed.

3) One should be able to drive legally in 14 states (see LIST B) with both side mirrors removed with the tonneau cover down using the camera displays for a clear view behind the vehicle. I would carry a copy of the statute if stopped.

4) One can't drive legally in 36 states (LIST A + LIST C) with both side mirrors removed and the tonneau cover down relying on the camera displays for a clear view behind the vehicle. I would expect to be stopped eventually, and if not prepared to pay a fine or contest a ticket in traffic court, it's best to leave the mirrors on. On the other hand, since the intent of the statues, i.e., driving safety, is achieved via the use of cameras, I would expect a reasonable officer to let it go.

Wow. Thanks for figuring all this out and documenting.

 

[TickTock]

You mention some states rules apply only to vehicles registered in that state. Does that not mean that a List B registered CT can drive without both mirrors in 19 states? (List B + * states in List A)?

 

[Cybergirl]

You mention some states rules apply only to vehicles registered in that state. Does that not mean that a List B registered CT can drive without both mirrors in 19 states? (List B + * states in List A)?

No. Only Michigan from List A (that's why I included Michigan in List B as well).

 

[TeslaKen]

I took a closer look at vehicle mirror laws in all 50 U.S. states.

LIST A - There are 14 states that require two mirrors including a driver's side mirror:
Alaska
California*
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana*
Maryland*
Michigan*
North Carolina*
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
Utah
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

* Applies to in state registered vehicles only

Example, Oklahoma:
47-12-403. Mirrors.
A. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the motor vehicle.

B. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

LIST B - There are 14 states whose statutes do not explicitly require a mirror as long as the driver has an unobstructed view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of at least 200 feet. One can argue that the cameras provide that:
Arizona
Indiana
Maine
Michigan (out of state vehicles only)
Minnesota (specifically allows alternatives to mirrors)
Mississippi
Missouri
New Hampshire
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont

Example, Minnesota:
169.70 REAR VIEW MIRROR.
Every motor vehicle constructed, loaded, or connected with another vehicle that obstructs the driver's view to the rear from the driver's position must be equipped with a mirror or other technology that reflects or displays to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. [the underlining is mine]

[Kudos to Minnesota lawmakers]

Example, Arizona:
28-956. Mirrors; exception
A motor vehicle that is constructed or loaded in a manner that obstructs the driver's view to the rear of the vehicle from the driver's position shall be equipped with two mirrors located in a manner to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle. This section does not apply to a fully autonomous vehicle that is incapable of operation by a human driver.

[The Cybertruck is constructed with rear view cameras that provide a view to the rear, so mirrors not needed]

Example, South Carolina:
56-5-4990 Mirrors.
Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position 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 two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.

[The Cybertruck is constructed with rear view cameras that provide a view to the rear, so mirror not needed]

LIST C - The remaining 23 states require a mirror but do not specify its location on the vehicle as long as it provides an unobstructed view of the road behind the vehicle for at least 200 feet.
Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Massachusetts
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
South Dakota
Texas
West Virginia

Example, Illinois:
Section 625 ILCS 5/12-502 - Mirrors
Every motor vehicle, operated singly or when towing another vehicle, 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 motor vehicle.

Example, Texas:
547.602. Mirrors Required
A motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle used to tow another vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.

My interpretation of these statutes tells me:

1) One should be able to drive a CT legally in all 50 states with the passenger side mirror removed provided the tonneau cover is left up and the interior rear view mirror is unobstructed.

2) One should be able to drive legally in 41 states (LIST B + LIST C + LIST A*) with both side mirrors removed provided the tonneau cover is left up and the interior rear view mirror is unobstructed.

3) One should be able to drive legally in 14 states (see LIST B) with both side mirrors removed with the tonneau cover down using the camera displays for a clear view behind the vehicle. I would carry a copy of the statute if stopped.

4) One can't drive legally in 36 states (LIST A + LIST C) with both side mirrors removed and the tonneau cover down relying on the camera displays for a clear view behind the vehicle. I would expect to be stopped eventually, and if not prepared to pay a fine or contest a ticket in traffic court, it's best to leave the mirrors on. On the other hand, since the intent of the statues, i.e., driving safety, is achieved via the use of cameras, I would expect a reasonable officer to let it go.

I took a closer look at my cameras and wouldn't you know it that each camera has a tiny mirror inside. I do not see any state requiring mirrors of a certain size, only that the mirror provides visibility to a certain distance, which those camera mirrors absolutely do. Last but not least, as long as you have a camera display you are complying with the intent of the law (visibility to the rear and/or sides) despite the letter of the law being outdated. In the event of a stop, I think this is an easy win in court for a smart lawyer....

 

[TickTock]

You mention some states rules apply only to vehicles registered in that state. Does that not mean that a List B registered CT can drive without both mirrors in 19 states? (List B + * states in List A)?

No. Only Michigan from List A (that's why I included Michigan in List B as well).

Ah. Too bad. I do drive to CA several times a year. It would be nice if I didn't have to bring the mirrors along.

 

[Cybergirl]

Ah. Too bad. I do drive to CA several times a year. It would be nice if I didn't have to bring the mirrors along.

I live in Arizona and will be driving across the border into California several times a year in my side mirror-less Cybertruck registered in Arizona. As an out of state registered vehicle, I'm held to just one paragraph of the CA statute on mirrors:

"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."

As long as I retract my tonneau cover so that the interior rear view mirror provides a clear view for 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle, I don't need side mirrors in California.

You can read the entire CA statue here.

 

[TickTock]

I live in Arizona and will be driving across the border into California several times a year in my side mirror-less Cybertruck registered in Arizona. As an out of state registered vehicle, I'm held to just one paragraph of the CA statute on mirrors:

"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."

As long as I retract my tonneau cover so that the interior rear view mirror provides a clear view for 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle, I don't need side mirrors in California.

You can read the entire CA statue here.

Good to know. Thanks again for doing all this research for us. A treasure trove of information.

 

[Cybergirl]

I will also keep a copy of the CA statute on mirrors in my glove box, in case I'm confronted by a CHP officer. There is no safety issue here. The three rear cameras will provide a much better view to the rear than mirrors once I acclimate to using the camera displays routinely. There are only 9 states that I can't legally drive without side mirrors (List A states without an asterisk). Unfortunately, one of those is Oklahoma which I travel through twice a year.

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