1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCILDIRECTIVE
of1March1971
ontheapproximationofthelawsoftheMemberStatesrelatingtotherear-viewmirrorsofmotor
vehicles
(71/127/EEC)
(OJ L 68, 22.3.1971, p. 1)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Commission Directive 79/795/EEC of 20 July 1979 L 239 1 22.9.1979
►M2Commission Directive 85/205/EEC of 18 February 1985 L 90 1 29.3.1985
►M3Commission Directive 86/562/EEC of 6 November 1986 L 327 49 22.11.1986
►M4Council Directive 87/354/EEC of 25 June 1987 L 192 43 11.7.1987
►M5Commission Directive 88/321/EEC of 16 May 1988 L 147 77 14.6.1988
Amended by:
►A1Act of Accession of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern IrelandL 73 14 27.3.1972
(adapted by Council Decision of 1 January 1973) L 2 1 1.1.1973
►A2Act of Accession of Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
►A3Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal L 302 23 15.11.1985
►A4Act of Accession of Austria, Sweden and Finland C241 21 29.8.1994
(adapted by Council Decision 95/1/EC, Euratom, ECSC) L 1 1 1.1.1995
Corrected by:►
C1Consolidated text of corrigenda to instruments published in Special
Editions 1952-72, p. 85 (71/127/EEC)
▼B
COUNCILDIRECTIVE
of1March1971
on the approximationof the lawsofthe Member States relating to
therear-view mirrorsofmotorvehicles
(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 samerequirements either in addition to or in place of their existing require-ments, in order, in particular, to allow the EEC type-approvalprocedure which was the subject of the Council Directive of 6 February1970(
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 butalso their construction;
Whereas a harmonised type-approval procedure for rear-view mirrors
makes it possible for each Member State to check compliance withthe 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 mirrorsmanufactured in conformity with the approved type obviates any needfor 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►
M2Annex 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 otherMember States, that production models conform to the approved type.Such verification shall be limited to spot checks.
Article 2
Member States shall issue to the manufacturer, or to his authorised
representative, an EEC type-approval mark which shall conform to themodel shown in ►
M2Appendix 2 to Annex II ◄, for each type of
rear-view mirror which they approve pursuant to Article 1.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 2
(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.
▼B
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of
marks liable to create confusion between rear-view mirrors which havebeen 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 theEEC type-approval mark which, by their design, do not conform to theapproved 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.
There shall be failure to conform to the approved type, within the
meaning of the first subparagraph, where the requirements of
►
M2Annex II ◄are not observed.
Article 4
The competent authorities of each Member State shall within one
month send to the competent authorities of the other Member States acopy 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-approvalmark 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 advisethose of the other Member States of the measures taken, which may,where necessary, extend to withdrawal of EEC type-approval. Thesaid authorities 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 Statesconcerned shall endeavour to settle the dispute. The Commission shallbe kept informed and shall, where necessary, hold appropriate consulta-
tions for the purpose of reaching a settlement.
Article 6
All decisions taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementa-
tion of this Directive which refuse or withdraw type-approval for a
rear-view mirror or prohibit its use shall set out in detail the reasonson which they are based. A decision shall be notified to the partyconcerned, who shall at the same time be informed of the remediesavailable to him under the laws in force in the Member States and ofthe time limits allowed for the exercise of such remedies.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 3
▼M1
▼B
▼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 accor-dance 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 theprovisions 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 withthe 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 notcomply 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 thosereferred to in item 2.1.3 of Annex III — of which the rear-view mirrorsdo 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 ofwhich the rear-view mirrors do not comply with the provisions of thisDirective. They may likewise prohibit the placing on the market ofrear-view mirrors which do not bear the component type-approval
mark issued in accordance with the requirements of this Directive.
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-viewmirrors if these comply with the requirements laid down in theAnnexes.
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 leastfour wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, with theexception of vehicles which run on rails, agricultural tractors andmachinery, 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 adoptedin accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 13 of the1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 4
▼A1
▼B
▼B
Council Directive of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the laws
of the Member States relating to the type approval of motor vehiclesand 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 theCommission 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 Directiveare communicated to the Commission.
Article 11
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 5
▼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. rmeans 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 riand r′ii.e.:
rp¼riþr0
i
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 approxi-
mates 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 posi-
tion, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
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).1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 6
▼M2
E = interior rear-view mirror
ODo
= driver's eyesOE
IDo
= virtual monocular imagesIE
I = virtual ambinocular imageA = angle of vision of left eyeB = 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 M
1,M2,M3,N1,N2,N3means those defined in
Annex I to Directives 70/156/EEC.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 7
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Appendix 1 to Annex I
PROCEDUREFORDETERMININGTHERADIUSOFCURVATURE‘r’
OFTHEREFLECTINGSURFACEOFAREAR-VIEWMIRROR
1. MEASUREMENTS
1.1.Equipment
The ‘spherometer’ described in Figure 1 is used.
1.2.Measuringpoints
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:
r¼rp1þrp2þrp3
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 — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 8
▼M2
Figure 11971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 9
▼M2
Appendix 2 to Annex I
PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING THE H POINT AND VERIFYING
THERELATIVEPOSITIONSOFTHERANDHPOINTS
The relevant parts of Annex III to Directive 77/649/EEC are applicable.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 10
▼M2
ANNEX II
DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND TESTS REQUIRED FOR EEC
COMPONENTTYPE-APPROVALOFREAR-VIEWMIRRORS
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 requirementsof 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.Interiorrear-view mirrors(ClassI)
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
a¼15 cm /C21
1þ1000
r
2.2.Mainexterior rear-view mirrors (ClassesIIandIII)
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 centi-
metres, 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 — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 11
▼M2
Class of
rear-view
mirrorCategories of vehicles for which the rear-view mirrors
are designedab
II M2,M3,N2and N317
1þ1 000
r20
III ►M5M1,N1andN2◄
N3(iftherequirementsofitem2.1.3ofAnnex
IIIareapplicable)13
1þ1000
r7
2.3.‘Wide-angle’exterior rear-viewmirrors (ClassIV)
The contours of the reflecting surface must be of simple geometric
form and its dimensions such that it provides, if necessary in conjunc-
tion 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 (ClassV)
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.Differencesbetweentheradiiofcurvature
3.2.1. The difference between rior r′iand rpat each reference point must not
exceed 0,15 r.
3.2.2. The difference between any of the radii of curvature (rp1,rp2and 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. 1200 mm for interior rear-view mirrors (Class I) and Class III main
exterior rear-view mirrors;
3.3.2. 1800 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.
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 the1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 12
▼M2
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 indel-
ibly marked with the symbol
 and the type-approval certificate
shall be endorsed to this effect.
4.2.Impacttest
4.2.1. Description of the test rig
4.2.1.1. 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 4.2.2.6.
Figure 1 below gives the dimensions of the test rig and the special
design specifications.
Figure 1
4.2.1.2. 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
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
relationshipof ‘m’ to the total mass ‘m’ of the p endulum and to the
distance ‘d’ between the centre of gravity of the pendulum and its1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 13
▼M2
axis of rotation is expressed in the equation:
m0¼md
1Þ
4.2.2. Description of the test
4.2.2.1. 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.
4.2.2.2. Positioning of the rear-view mirror for the test4.2.2.2.1. 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.
4.2.2.2.2. 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.
4.2.2.2.3. 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.
4.2.2.2.4. 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.
4.2.2.3. Except in the case of test 2 for interior rear-view mirrors (see item
4.2.2.6.1), 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 oscilla-
tion of the pendulum shall be parallel to the longitudinal median
plane of the vehicle.
4.2.2.4. When, under the conditions governing adjustment laid down in items
4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2 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.
4.2.2.5. The test consists in allowing the hammer to fall from a height corre-
sponding to a pendulum angle of 60º from the vertical so that the
hammer strikes the rear-view mirror at the moment when the
pendulum reaches the vertical position.
4.2.2.6. The rear-view mirrors are subjected to impact under the following
different conditions:
4.2.2.6.1. Interior rear-view mirrors
Test 1: The points of impact shall be as defined in item 4.2.2.3. 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 º 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.
4.2.2.6.2. Exterior rear-view mirrors
Test 1: The point of impact shall be as defined in item 4.2.2.3 or
4.2.2.4. The impact must be such that the hammer strikes the rear-
view mirror on the reflecting surface side.
Test 2: The point of impact shall be as defined in item 4.2.2.3 or
4.2.2.4. 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 tests1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 14
▼M2
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.Bendingtestontheprotective housingfixedtothestem
4.3.1. This test shall be performed on all rear-view mirrors with the excep-
tion 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 immo-
bilized by means of a fixed stop15 mm wide covering the entire
width of the housing.
At the other end, a stopidentical to the one described above is p laced
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.
Exampleofbending-testapparatusforrear-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 º with the vertical.
The accuracy of measurement of the angle shall be within ± 1 º.
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.
5.1.2. The required pendulum angle of return to the vertical is reduced from
20 º to 10 º 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 1.3.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 15
▼M2
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 — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 16
▼M2
Appendix 1 to Annex II
TESTMETHODFORDETERMININGREFLECTIVITY
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 lampop erating 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 /C22x x
(λ),y( λ),/C22zz(λ)(seetable). 
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.Spectralcharacteristics oflightsourceandreceiver
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 lampvoltage 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 ± 5º) from the perpendicular to the test surface and shall not exceed
the upper limit of the tolerance (i.e. 0,53 rad or 30º). 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 thetest 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 photode-
tector, shall not cover less than 50 % of such area, and as nearly as
possible shall cover the same area segment as used during instrument cali-
bration.
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 characteristicsofthephotodetector-indicatorunit
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 adjust-1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 17
(1) Definitions taken from CIE publication 50 (45), International Electronical Vocabulary,
Group45: Lighting._
▼M2
ments. Such means shall not affect the linearity or the spectral characteris-
tics of the instrument. The accuracy of the receptor-indicator unit shall be
within ± 2 % of full scale, or ± 10 % of the magnitude of the reading,
whichever is the smaller.
2.5.Sampleholder
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.Directcalibrationmethod
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-reflectivity
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 transmis-
sion of the neutral density filter. This filter shall be removed before
reflectivity measurements are performed.
3.2.Indirectcalibrationmethod
The indirect calibration method is applicable in the case of instruments
with fixed source and receiver geometry. A properly calibrated and main-
tained 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.Flatmirrormeasurement
The reflectance of flat mirror samples can be measured on instruments
employing either the direct or the indirect calibration method. The reflec-
tance 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 nedivisions
with a standard mirror of E % reflectance, then, with a mirror of unknown
reflectance, nxdivisions will correspond to a reflectance of X %, in accor-
dance with the formula:
X¼Enx
ne1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 18
▼M2
Figure1. Generalizedreflectometershowinggeometriesforthetwocalibrationmethods
Figure2. Generalizedreflectometerincorporatinganintegratingsphereinthereceiver1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 19
▼M2
Spectral tristimulus values for the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric
observer (1)
This table is taken from CIE publication 50 (45) (1970)
λ
nm/C22xx(λ) /C22yy(λ) /C22zz(λ)
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 6430 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 0490 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 2520 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 9570 0,762 1 0,952 0 0,002 1580 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 2630 0,642 4 0,265 0 0,000 0640 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 0690 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 0720 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 0780 0,000 0 0,000 0 0,000 0
(1) Abridged table. The values of /C22yy(λ)=V( λ)are rounded off to four decimal places.
(2) Changed in 1966 from 3 to 2.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 20
▼M2
Appendix2toAnnexII
CONDITIONSGOVERNINGTHEEECCOMPONENTTYPE-
APPROVALANDMARKINGOFREAR-VIEWMIRRORS
1.APPLICATIONFOREECCOMPONENTTYPE-APPROVAL
1.1.ApplicationforEECcomponenttype-approvalforatypeofrear-view
mirrorshallbemadebytheholderofthetrademarkorname,orbyhis
authorizedrepresentative.
1.2.Foreachtypeofrear-viewmirrortheapplicationshallbeaccompanied
by:
1.2.1.atechnicaldescription,specifyinginparticularthetype(s)ofvehiclefor
whichtherear-viewmirrorisintended;
1.2.2.sufficientlydetaileddrawingsforidentificationoftherear-viewmirror,
togetherwithinstructionsformounting:thedrawingsmustshowtheproposedpositionofthecomponenttype-approvalnumberandtheaddi-
tionalsymbolinrelationtotherectanglewhichformspartoftheEEC
componenttype-approvalmark;
1.2.3.fourrear-viewmirrors:threeforuseinthetestsandonetoberetainedby
thelaboratoryforanyfurtherexaminationthatmightsubsequentlyprove
necessary.Additionalspecimensmaybecalledforattherequestofthe
laboratory.
2.INSCRIPTIONS
Specimensofatypeofrear-viewmirrorsubmittedforEECcomponent
type-approvalmustbeartheapplicant'sclearlyvisibleandindelibletrade
markornameandmustallowsufficientspacefortheinscriptionofthe
EECcomponenttype-approvalmark;thisspacemustbeindicatedinthe
diagramsreferredtoinitem1.2.2.
3.EECCOMPONENTTYPE-APPROVAL
3.1.EECcomponenttype-approvalshallbegrantedandacomponenttype-
approvalnumberissuedinrespectofanyrear-viewmirrorsubmittedin
accordancewiththeprovisionsofitem1abovewhichsatisfiesthe
requirementsofitems1to5ofAnnexII.
3.2.Thisnumbershallnotbeassignedtoanyothertypeofrear-viewmirror.
4.MARKING
4.1.Anyrear-viewmirrorconformingtoatypeinrespectofwhichcompo-
nenttype-approvalhasbeengrantedpursuanttothisDirectiveshallbear
anEECcomponenttype-approvalmark.
4.2.TheEECcomponenttype-approvalmarkshallconsistofarectangle
surroundingthelowercaseletter‘e’followedbythedistinguishingletter(s)ornumberoftheMemberStatewhichhasgrantedthecompo-
nenttype-approval: ►
A3(1forGermany,2forFrance,3forItaly,4
fortheNetherlands, ►A45forSweden, ◄6forBelgium,9forSpain,
11fortheUnitedKingdom, ►A412forAustria, ◄13forLuxem-
bourg,►A417forFinland,◄18forDenmark,    EL forGreece      ,
IRL forIreland,PforPortugal)◄. Itmust alsoincludeinthevicinityof
the rectangle the EEC component type-approval number. This number
shall consist of the component type-approval number shown on the certi-
ficate completed for the type (see Appendix 3), preceded by two figures
indicating 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. ►M3Sequence
number 01 may, however, be retained for Class I, II and III rear-viewmirrors 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 addi-
tion of the symbol I or II or III or IV or V, specifying the class to whichthe 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’.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 21
M4► ◄
▼M2
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 — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 22
▼M2
Examples of EEC component type-approval marks and the additional
symbol
Example No 1
Therear-viewmirrorbearingtheEECcomponenttype-approvalmarkshown
aboveisaClassImirror(interiorrear-view),whichhasbeentype-approved
inFrance(e2)underthenumber02*35.
Example No 2
Therear-viewmirrorbearingtheEECcomponenttype-approvalmarkshown
aboveisaClassIImirror(exteriorrear-view),whichhasbeentype-approved
intheNetherlands(e4)underthenumber02*187.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 23
▼M2
Example No 3
Therear-viewmirrorbearingtheEECcomponenttype-approvalmarkshown
aboveisaClassVmirror(exteriorrear-view‘reversing’)whichhasbeen
type-approvedinGreece(eGR)underthenumber02*39.
Example No 4
Therear-viewmirrorbearingtheEECcomponenttype-approvalmarkshown
aboveisaClassIVmirror(exteriorrear-view‘wide-angle’),whichhasbeen
type-approvedinItaly(e3)underthenumber02*1248.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 24
▼M2
Appendix 3 to Annex II
MODEL EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE FOR A REAR-VIEW
MIRROR
1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 25
▼M2
ANNEX III
REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE FITTING OF REAR-VIEW
MIRRORSTOVEHICLES
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.
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.
2. NUMBER
2.1.Minimumnumberofcompulsoryrear-view mirrors
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:1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 26
▼M3
▼M2
▼M5
CategoryInside rear-view mirrors
Class IExternal rear-view mirrors
Main rear-view mirrors Wide-angle rear-view
mirrors
Class IVClose-proximity rear-view
mirrors
Class V Class II Class III
M11
(see, however, point
2.1.2)—
(see, however, point
2.1.2.3)1
on the side opposite
the direction
followed by the
traffic (see, however,
point 2.2.1)——
M2—2
(1 on the left and 1
on the right)——
(see, however, point
2.2.4)—
(see, however points
2.2.2 and 3.7)
M3—2
(1 on the left and 1
on the right)——
(see, however, point
2.2.4)—
(see, however, points
2.2.2 and 3.7)
N11
(see, however, point
2.1.2)—
(see, however, point
2.1.2.3)1
on the side opposite
the direction
followed by the
traffic (see, however,
point 2.2.1)—
(see, however, point
2.2.4)—
N2≤7,5 tonnes —
(see, however, point
2.2.3)2
(1 on the left and 1
on the right)—
(see, however, point
2.1.3)—
(see, however, point
2.1.4)—
(see, however, points
2.2.2 and 3.7)
N2> 7,5 tonnes —
(see, however, point
2.2.3)2
(1 on the left and 1
on the right)—
(see, however, point
2.1.3)1—
(see, however, point
3.7)▼M51971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 27
CategoryInside rear-view mirrors
Class IExternal rear-view mirrors
Main rear-view mirrors Wide-angle rear-view
mirrors
Class IVClose-proximity rear-view
mirrors
Class V Class II Class III
N3—
(see, however, point
2.2.3)2
(1 on the left and 1
on the right)—
(see, however, point
2.1.3)11
(see, however, point
3.7)▼M51971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 28
▼M2
2.1.2. Nevertheless, in the case of vehicles in categories M1and N1:
2.1.2.1. 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;
2.1.2.2. if the interior rear-view mirror does not provide any rearward vision, its
presence shall not be required;
2.1.2.3. Class II exterior rear-view mirrors are admissible.
2.1.3. ►M5However, ◄if the design ►M5, for category N2and N3vehicles ◄makes it technically impossible to obtain the fields of
vision specified in items 5.3.2.2 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.
2.1.4. A Class IV rear-view mirror is mandatory on all category N2vehicles
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.
2.2.Maximumnumberofoptionalrear-view mirrors
2.2.1. In the case of vehicles of category M1and 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.
2.2.2. A Class V outside rear-view mirror is acceptable for category N2vehi-
cles having a maximum mass not exceeding 7,5 tonnes, and for
category M2and M3vehicles.
2.2.3. An interior rear-view mirror may be fitted to vehicles in categories N2and N3.
2.2.4. A Class IV outside rear-view mirror is acceptable for N2vehicles
having a maximum mass not exceeding 7,5 tonnes, and for category
M2and M3vehicles.
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-upweight.
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 M2and M3in 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 considera-
tion during the tests shall be shown on the EEC type-approval
certificate for a vehicle with regard to the installation of rear-view
mirrors (see Appendix).1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 29
▼M5
▼M2
▼M5
▼M2
▼M5
▼M2
▼M2
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 55º 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 permis-
sible all-upweight, this rear-view mirror must not p roject 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-
upweight.
These rear-view mirrors shall not, however, be mounted on vehicles the
cab height of which is such as to prevent compliance with this require-
ment.
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 ambinocular
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 Direc-
tive 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 perpendicularly to the surface.
5.2.Interiorrear-view mirror(ClassI)
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 longitu-
dinal median plane of the vehicle and extending from 60 m behind the
driver's ocular points (Figure 3) to the horizon.
5.3.Mainexterior rear-view mirrors (ClassesIIandIII)
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
5.3.1.1. 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
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).1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 30
▼M2
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
5.3.2.1. In the case of category M1vehicles and category N1vehicles 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).
5.3.2.2. In the case of vehicles other than those referred to in item 5.3.2.1
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 outer-
most 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(ClassIV)
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 outer-
most 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 (ClassV)
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.
5.7.Obstructions
5.7.1. Interior rear-view mirror (Class I)
5.7.1.1. 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 is1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 31
▼M2
permissible, provided that all these devices together do not obscure
more than 15 % of the specified field of vision.
5.7.1.2. 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.Testprocedure
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 — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 32
▼M2
Interiorrear-view mirror
Figure 31971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 33
▼M2
Mainexterior rear-view mirrors
Vehicle driven on the right of the road
Figure 4
Vehicle category M1and category N1not exceeding 2 tonnes in weight1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 34
▼M2
Figure 5
Vehicles in categories other than M1and N1not exceeding 2 tonnes in weight1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 35
▼M2
Figure 6
Wide-angle rear-view mirror
Figure 7
‘Close-proximity’ exterior rear-view mirror1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 36
▼M2
Appendix to Annex III
ANNEX TO THE EEC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE FOR A VEHICLE WITH
REGARDTOTHEINSTALLATIONOFREAR-VIEWMIRRORS
(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 — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 37
▼M2
1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1995 — 009.001 — 38