1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 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
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
Corrected by:
►C1Consolidated text of corrigenda to instruments published in Special
Editions 1952-72, p. 85 (71/127/EEC)
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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 initem 2 of Annex I.
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 item 2.6 of Annex I, for each type of rear-view mirrorwhich they approve pursuant to Article 1.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 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.
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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 item 2
of Annex I 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 — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 3
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Article 7
1. With effect from 1 February 1980, 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 last indent of
Article 10 (1) of Directive 70/156/EEC, or to grant nationaltype-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 laid down in thisDirective.
2. With effect from 1 October 1981 a Member State:
(a) — shall not issue the document referred to in the last indent of
Article 10 (1) of Directive 70/156/EEC in respect of a type ofvehicle 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 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 theprovisions 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 1984 Member States:
— may prohibit the entry into service of vehicles of which the rear-
view mirrors do not comply with the provisions of this Directive,
— may prohibit the placing on the market of rear-view mirrors which
do not bear the EEC component type-approval mark laid down inthis 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 least
four 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 theCouncil Directive of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of thelaws of the Member States relating to the type approval of motor vehi-cles and their trailers.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 4
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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 Directiveare communicated to the Commission.
Article 11
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 5
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ANNEX I
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1. ‘Rear-view mirror’ means any device intended to give, within the
field of vision defined in item 3.4, a clear view to the rear,
excluding complex optical systems such as periscopes.
1.2. ‘Interior rear-view mirror’ means a device as defined in item 1.1
which can be fitted in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
1.3. ‘Exterior rear-view mirror’ means a device as defined in item 1.1
which can be mounted on the external surface of a vehicle.
1.4. ‘Additional rear-view mirror’ means a rear-view mirror other than a
device of the type defined in item 1.1 which can be fitted to the
inside or outside of the vehicle provided that it complies with the
provisions of item 2 other than 2.1.1, 2.2 and 2.3.4.
1.5. ‘Rear-view mirror type’ means devices which do not differ in
respect of the following essential characteristics:
1.5.1. the dimensions and radius of curvature of the rear-view mirror's
reflecting surface:
1.5.2. the design, shape or materials of the rear-view mirrors, including
the connection with the bodywork.
1.6. ‘Class of rear-view mirrors’ means all devices having one or more
common characteristics or functions. Interior rear-view mirrors are
grouped in Class I. Additional interior rear-view mirrors are
grouped in Class Is.
Exterior rear-view mirrors are grouped in Classes II and III.Additional exterior rear-view mirrors are grouped in Classes IIs and
IIIs.
1.7. ‘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.
1.8. ‘The principal radii of curvature at one point on the reflecting
surface (r
i)’ means the values obtained with the apparatus defined
in Appendix 1, measured on the arc of the reflecting surface passing
through the centre of the mirror parallel to the segment b, as defined
in item 2.2.2.1, and on the arc perpendicular to this segment.
1.9. ‘The radius of curvature at one point on the reflecting surface (rp)’
means the arithmetical average of the principal radii of curvature r1and r′i, i. e.:
rp¼riþr0
i
2
1.10. ‘Centre of the mirror’ means the centroid of the visible area of the
reflecting surface.
1.11. ‘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 approximates to the curved form of the part in question.
1.12. ‘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
Annex IV. 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 longitu-
dinal plane which must pass through the centre of the driver's
designated seating position, as specified by the vehicle manufac-
turer.
1.13. ‘Ambinocular vision’ means the total field of vision obtained by the
superimposition of the monocular fields of the right eye and the left
eye (see diagram below).1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 6
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1.14. ‘Type of vehicle as regards rear-view mirrors’ means motor vehicles
which are identical in respect of the following basic features:
1.14.1. the bodywork features which reduce the field of vision;1.14.2. the coordinates of point R;
1.14.3. the prescribed positions and types of rear-view mirror.
1.15. ‘Vehicles of categories M
1,M2,M3,N1,N2and N3’ means those
defined in Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC.
2. PROVISIONS RELATING TO EEC COMPONENT TYPE-
APPROVAL OF REAR-VIEW MIRRORS
2.1.General specifications
2.1.1. All rear-view mirrors must be adjustable.
2.1.2. The edge of the reflecting surface must be enclosed in a holder
which, on its perimeter, must have a value ‘c’ ≥2·5 mm at all
points and in all directions. If the reflecting surface projects beyond
the holder, 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 holder under a force of 50 N applied to the point of
greatest projection, relative to the holder, in a horizontal direction
approximately parallel to the longitudinal median plane of the
vehicle.
2.1.3. 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
2.4.2, which are in potential, static contact with a sphere either165 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.
2.1.3.1. Edges of fixing holes or recesses of which the diameter or longest
diagonal is less than 12 mm are exempt from the radius require-
ments of item 2.1.3 provided that they are blunted.
2.1.4. The attachment device on 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 ensure 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.
2.1.5. The parts of exterior rear-view mirrors referred to in items 2.1.2 and
2.1.3 which are made of a material with a Shore A hardness not
exceeding 60 are exempt from the relevant provisions.
2.1.6. 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
2.1.2 and 2.1.3 shall only apply to the support.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 7
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2.2.Dimensions
2.2.1. 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
a¼15 cm /C21
1þ1000
r
2.2.2. Exterior rear-view mirrors (classes II and III)
2.2.2.1. 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’.
2.2.2.2. The minimum values of ‘a’ and ‘b’ are given in the table below:
Class of
rear-view
mirrorCategories of vehi-
cles for which the
rear-view mirrors
are designedab
II M2,M3,N2and
N317
1þ1000
r20
III M1and N1 13
1þ1000
r7
2.3.Reflectingsurfaceandcoefficients ofreflection
2.3.1. The reflecting surface of a rear-view mirror must be either flat or
spherically convex.
2.3.2. Differences between the radii of curvature
2.3.2.1. The difference between rior r′iand rpat each reference point must
not exceed 0·15 r.
2.3.2.2. The difference between any of the radii of curvature (rp1,rp2, and rp3)
and r must not exceed 0·15 r.
2.3.2.3. When r is not less than 3000 mm, the value of 0·15 r quoted in
items 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.2.2 is replaced by 0·25 r.
2.3.3. The value of ‘r’ must be not less than:
— 1 800 mm for Class II rear-view mirrors,
— 1 200 mm for Class I and III rear-view mirrors.
2.3.4. The value of the normal coefficient of reflection, as determined
according to the method described in Appendix 2 to this Annex,
must be not less than 40 %.
If the mirror 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 %.
2.3.5. The reflecting surface must retain the characteristics laid down in
item 2.3.4 in spite of prolonged exposure to adverse weather condi-
tions in normal use.
2.4.Tests
2.4.1. The reaction of rear-view mirrors to impact and bending on the
holder fixed to the stem or support shall be tested in the manner
described in items 2.4.2 and 2.4.3.
2.4.1.1. The test provided for in item 2.4.2 shall not be required in the case
of any Class II or IIs exterior rear-view mirror of which no part is
less than 2 m from the ground, regardless of the adjustment posi-1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 8
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tion, when the vehicle is under a load corresponding to its
maximum technically permissible weight.
In such cases the manufacturer is required to provide a description
stipulating that the rear-view mirror must be mounted in such a way
that none of its parts, in any of the possible adjustment positions, is
less than 2 m above the ground when the vehicle is under a load
corresponding to its maximum technically permissible weight.
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.
2.4.2. Impact test
2.4.2.1. Description of the test rig.
2.4.2.1.1. The test rig consists of a pendulum capable of swinging about two
horizontal axes at right angles to each other, one of which is
perpendicular 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 and having a 5 mm-thick
rubber covering of Shore hardness A 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 2.4.2.2.6.
Figure 1 below gives the dimensions of the test rig and the special
design specifications.
Figure 11971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 9
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2.4.2.1.2. 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 ofoscillation in the release plane which isequal to 1±5 mm.
The reduced mass of the pendulum is m = 6·8 ± 0·05 kg (the rela-
tionshipof ‘m to the total mass ‘m’ of the p endulum and to the
distance ‘d’ between the centre of gravity of the pendulum and its
axis of rotation is expressed in the equation:
mo¼md
1Þ:
2.4.2.2. Description of the test.
2.4.2.2.1. 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.
2.4.2.2.2. Positioning of the rear-view mirror for the test.2.4.2.2.2.1. Rear-view mirrors shall be so 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
demander's mounting instructions are in a similar position.
2.4.2.2.2.2. 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
demander.
2.4.2.2.2.3. 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 holder and the base is shortest.
2.4.2.2.2.4. When the reflecting surface is mobile in the holder, 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 holder.
2.4.2.2.3. Except in the case of test 2 for interior rear-view mirrors (see item
2.4.2.2.6.1), when the pendulum is in a vertical position the hori-
zontal and longitudinal vertical planes passing through the centre
of the hammer shall pass through the centre of the mirror as defined
in item 1.10. The longitudinal direction of oscillation of the
pendulum shall be parallel to the longitudinal median plane of the
vehicle.
2.4.2.2.4. When, under the conditions governing adjustment laid down in
items 2.4.2.2.1 and 2.4.2.2.2, parts of the rear-view mirror limit the
return of the hammer, the point of impact must he displaced in a
direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation or pivoting in ques-
tion.
This displacement must he 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 tangen-
tial to the cylinder as defined in paragraph 2.1.4,
— or the point of contact with the hammer is located at least 10 mm
from the periphery of the reflecting surface.
2.4.2.2.5. 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.
2.4.2.2.6. The rear-view mirrors are subjected to impact under the following
different conditions:
2.4.2.2.6.1. Interior rear-view mirrors
— Test 1 — The point of impact shall be as defined in item
2.4.2.2.3. 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 housing, so that the
impact produced makes an angle of 45º with the plane of the
mirror and is situated in the horizontal plane passing through
the centre of the mirror. The impact must occur on the reflecting
surface side.
2.4.2.2.6.2. Exterior rear-view mirrors
— Test 1 — The point of impact shall be as defined in item
2.4.2.2.3 or 2.4.2.2.4. The impact must be such that the hammer
strikes the rear-view mirror on the reflecting surface side.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 10
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— Test 2 — The point of impact shall be as defined in item
2.4.2.2.3 or 2.4.2.2.4. The impact must be such that the hammer
strikes the rear-view mirror on the side opposite to the reflecting
surface.
2.4.3. Bending test on the holder fixed to the stem
2.4.3.1. Description of the test
The holder 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 holder, the end nearest to
the point of fixing on the adjustment part is immobilized by means
of a fixed stop15 mm wide covering the entire width of the holder.
At the other end, a stopidentical to the one described above is
placed on the holder so that the specified test load can be applied
to it (Figure 2).
The end of the holder opposite that at which the force is applied
may be clamped instead of simply blocked, as shown in Figure 2.
Exampleofbending-testapparatusforrear-viewmirror holders
Figure 2
2.4.3.2. The test load is 25 kg. It is applied for one minute.
2.5.Resultsofthetests
2.5.1. In the tests described in item 2.4.2, 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 20º with the vertical.
The accuracy of measurement of the angle shall be within ± 1º.This requirement is not applicable to rear-view mirrors stuck to the
windscreen, in respect of which the requirement stipulated in item
2.5.2 shall apply after the test.
2.5.2. Should the mounting of the rear-view mirror break during the tests
described in item 2.4.2 for rear-view mirrors stuck to the wind-
screen, 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 2.1.3.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 11
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2.5.3. The mirror must not break during the tests described in items 2.4.2
and 2.4.3. However, breakage of the mirror will be allowed if one
of the following conditions is fulfilled:
2.5.3.1. the fragments of glass still adhere to the back of the holder or to a
surface firmly attached to the holder; 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;
2.5.3.2. the mirror is made of safety glass.
2.6.EECcomponenttype-approvalconditionsandmarking
2.6.1. Application for EEC component type-approval
2.6.1.1. 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.
2.6.1.2. For each type of rear-view mirror the application shall be accompa-
nied by:
2.6.1.2.1. a technical description, specifying in particular the type(s) of
vehicle for which the rear-view mirror is intended;
2.6.1.2.2. sufficiently detailed drawings for identification of the rear-view
mirror, together with instructions for mounting: the drawings must
show the proposed position of the EEC component type-approval
mark;
2.6.1.2.3. 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.
2.6.2. EEC component type-approval mark
2.6.2.1. 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:
1 for Germany,
2 for France,
3 for Italy,
4 for the Netherlands,6 for Belgium,11 for the United Kingdom,
13 for Luxembourg,
18 for Denmark,IRL for Ireland,
E for Greece.
It must also include in the vicinity of the rectangle the EEC compo-
nent type-approval number.
This number shall consist of the component type-approval number
shown on the certificate completed for the type (see Annex II),
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 01.
2.6.2.2. The abovementioned type-approval mark (symbol and number) shall
be indelibly inscribed on an essential 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.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 12
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ExamplesofEECcomponenttype-approvalmarks (1)
The article bearing the EEC component type-approval mark shown above is a
Class I mirror (interior rear-view mirror) which has been type-approved in
Germany (e 1) under number 01 * 1471.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 13
(1) The numbers in the diagram are for guidance only.
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The article bearing the EEC component type-approval mark shown above is a
Class IIs mirror (additional exterior rear-view mirror) which has been type-
approved in France (e 2) under the number 01 * 387.
3. REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING FITTING TO VEHICLES3.1.General
3.1.1. Rear-view mirrors must be fixed 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.
3.1.1.1. The conditions laid down in item 3.1.1 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.
3.1.2. Exterior rear-view mirrors fitted on vehicles of categories M
2,M3,
N2and N3must be Class II mirrors and those fitted on vehicles of
categories M1and N1must be Class II or Class III mirrors.
3.2.Numberandposition
3.2.1. 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 of the vehicle.
3.2.2. All vehicles of categories M1and N1must be fitted with both an
interior and an exterior rear-view mirror. The latter must be fitted
on the left side of the vehicle in Member States with right-hand
rule of the road and on the right side of the vehicle in Member
States with left-hand rule of the road.
3.2.2.1. If the interior rear-view mirror does not meet the requirements laid
down in item 3.4.2, an additional exterior rear-view mirror must be
fitted to the vehicle. The latter shall be fitted to the right side of the
vehicle in Member States with right-hand rule of the road and to the
left side of the vehicle in Member States with left-hand rule of the
road.
3.2.2.2. If the interior rear-view mirror does not provide any rearward
vision, its presence shall not be required.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 14
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3.2.3. All vehicles in categories M2,M3,N2and N3must be fitted with two
exterior rear-view mirrors, one on each side of the vehicle.
3.2.4. Exterior rear-view mirrors shall be visible through the side windows
or through the portion of the windscreen that is swept by the wind-
screen wiper. This provision shall not apply to exterior rear-view
mirrors fitted on the right side of vehicles of categories M2and M3in Member States with right-hand rule of the road and on the leftside of vehicles of the same categories in Member States with left-
hand rule of the road.
3.2.5. 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, simu-
lated by dummy head boards. All vehicle and mirror configurations
taken into consideration during the tests shall be shown on the type-
approval certificate.
3.2.6. A two-plane or ‘double’ mirror is not permitted if both planes are
necessary to meet the field-of-vision requirements. However, if the
main glass meets all the requirements for a Class II or III mirror, it
is acceptable. The auxiliary glass will be taken into account in the
determination of the height from the ground and of the projection in
accordance with item 3.2.10. The enclosure of the auxiliary glass
must also comply with the conditions specified in item 2.1.2.
3.2.7. 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.
3.2.8. 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 3.4.
3.2.9. Where the lower edge of an exterior rear-view mirror is less than
2 m above the ground when the vehicle is laden, this rear-view
mirror must not project more than 0·20 m beyond the overall width
of the vehicle measured without rear-view mirrors.
3.2.10. Subject to the requirments of items 3.2.8 and 3.2.9, rear-view
mirrors may project beyond the permissible maximum widths of
vehicles.
3.3.Adjustment
3.3.1. The interior rear-view mirror must be capable of being adjustable
by the driver from his driving position.
3.3.2. 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.
3.3.3. The requirements of item 3.3.2 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.
3.4.Fieldsofvision
3.4.1. General
The fields of vision defined below must apply in respect of ambino-
cular vision, the eyes being at the ‘driver's ocular points’ as defined
in item 1.12 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 kg ± 1 %. They
must be established through windows which have a total light trans-
mission factor of at least 70% measured perpendicularly to the
surface.
3.4.2. Interior rear-view mirror
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 longitudinal median plane of the vehicle and extending
from 60 m behind the driver's ocular points (Figure 3) to the
horizon.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 15
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3.4.2.1. It is permissible for the field of vision to be reduced by the presence
of head restraints and such devices as sun visors, rear windscreen
wipers and heating elements, provided that they do not obscure
more than 15% of the prescribed field of vision when projected
onto a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane
of the vehicle.
3.4.3. 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.
3.4.3.1. 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 (Figure 4).
3.4.4. 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.
3.4.4.1. 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.
3.4.4.2. 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 4).
3.4.5. Obstructions
In the determination of the fields of vision specified above, no
account is taken of obstructions caused by door handles, outline
marker lights, direction indicators, the extremities of rear bumpers
and obstructions due to the bodywork similar to those caused by
the abovementioned elements.
3.4.6. Test procedure
The field of vision shall be determined by placing powerful light
sources at the ocular points and examining the light reflected on a
vertical monitoring screen. Other, equivalent methods may be used.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 16
▼M11971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 17
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Appendix 1
PROCEDUREFORDETERMININGTHERADIUSOFCURVATURE‘r’
OFAMIRROR'SREFLECTIONSURFACE
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, half and two thirds of the
distance along the arc of the reflecting surface passing through the centre
of the mirror and parallel to segment b, or of the arc passing through the
centre of the mirror which is perpendicular to it if this arc is the longer.
1.2.2. Where, owing to the size of the mirror, it is impossible to obtain
measurements in the directions defined in item 1.8 of Annex I, the tech-
nical 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 — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 18
Figure 1▼M11971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 19
▼M1
Appendix 2
TESTMETHODFORDETERMININGREFLECTIVITY
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1. ‘CIE standard illuminant A1’: Colorimetric illuminant, respecting the full
radiator at T68= 2855·6 K.
1.2. ‘CIE standard source A1’: Gas-filled tungsten filament lampop erating at a
correlated colour temperature of T68= 2 855·6 K.
1.3. ‘CIE 1931 standard colorimetric observer’(1): Receptor of radiation whose
colorimetric characteristics correspond to the spectral tristimulus values /C22xx
(λ),/C22yy(λ),/C22zz(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. APPARATUS2.1.General
The apparatus shall consist of a light source, a holder ror the test sample, a
receiver unit with a photodetector 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 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 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 on the photosensitive area. Means (electrical
and/or optical) shall be provided to facilitate zeroing and calibration adjust-1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 20
(1) Definitions taken from CIE publication 50 (45), International Electronical Vocabulary,
Group45: Lighting.
▼M1
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 — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 21
▼M1
Figure 1. Generalized reflectometer showing geometries for the two calibration methods
Figure 2. Generalized reflectometer incorporating an integrating sphere in the receiver1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 22
▼M1
Spectral tristimulus values for the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric
observer (1)
(This table is taken from IEC 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 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
620 0·354 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 (1) 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) Changed in 1966 (from 3 to 2).1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 23
(1) Abridged table. The values of /C22yy(λ)=V( λ) are rounded off to four decimal places.
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ANNEX II
MODELEECCOMPONENTTYPE-APPROVALCERTIFICATE
1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 24
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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 — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 25
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1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 26
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ANNEX IV
PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING THE H POINT AND VERIFYING
THERELATIVEPOSITIONSOFTHERANDHPOINTS
The relevant parts of Annex III to Directive 77/649/EEC are applicable.1971L0127 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 003.001 — 27