From the beginning of this year, the European Commission requires the retrofitting of wide angle and close proximity mirrors on heavy goods vehicles (HGV's), registered after the 1st January 2000.

The fitting of wide angle and close proximity mirrors has been compulsory on newly registered HGVs since January 2007. The objective of these regulations is to reduce blind spots in specific regions around a HGV where the driver has limited or no visibility. Blind spots on goods vehicles could be a contributory factor in as many as eight pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in Ireland each year. Older pedestrians are particularly at risk.

Research has concluded that if these new regulations are implemented throughout the European Union in 2008, up to 1,200 extra lives will be saved between then and the year 2020.

What is Directive 2007/38/EC?
Directive 2007/38/EC is a legal requirement, transposed into Irish law by S.I. No. 312 of 2008 and comes into effect on 1st January 2009.  It requires HGVs registered after 1st January 2000 to be retrofitted with wide angle and close proximity mirrors.

Who does this Directive apply to?
.   HGVs of categories N2 (vehicle between 3.5 - 12 tons) and N3 (vehicle over 12 tons) registered after the 1st of January 2000 which are not type approved or approved as a single vehicle under directive 2003/97/EC 

Who does this Directive not apply to?
.   HGVs of categories N2 and N3 registered before the 1st of January 2000

How do I comply with this Directive?
In order to comply with these new regulations the passenger side of HGVs must be equipped with:
.    a wide angle (Class IV) mirror that provides 95% of the field of vision for this mirror type as stated in EU Directive 2003/97/EC
.   a close proximity (Class V) mirror that provides 85% of the field of vision for this mirror type as stated in EU Directive 2003/97/EC 

Retrofitted mirrors must adhere to the following requirements:
Mirrors should be fitted in such a way so that it does not move or vibrate during vehicle movement so as to cause the driver to misinterpret the perceived image.

Mirrors must be so placed that the driver has a clear view of the road around the vehicle.

Exterior mirrors should be visible through the side windows or the portion of the windscreen swept by the windscreen wiper.

Close proximity (Class V) mirrors will be mounted so that no part of the mirror or its mount will be less than 2m from the ground when the vehicle is under maximum load.

Wide angle exterior mirrors (Class IV) must provide a field of vision so that the driver can see a flat portion of the road stretching 25m behind the driver and 15m wider than the vehicle itself on the passenger's side of the vehicle (Figure 2).

The close-proximity exterior mirror (Class V) must provide a field of vision 2m wider than the vehicle itself and 1m ahead and 1.75m behind the driver on the passenger's side of the vehicle (Figure 3).

More detailed information on mirror construction and installation can be found in Directives 2007/38/EC 2003/97/EC and S.I. No. 312 of 2008.

Strongline have a comprehensive range of mirrors and glass that comply with the new legislation, they can be contacted on 01-462-463 or through your local Motor Factor.