CVC 26709Eligible for written declarationCorrectable · Fix under CVC 40522

Mirror Requirements

A motor vehicle subject to registration in California, other than a motorcycle, without at least two mirrors including one on the left side, or a vehicle without the mirrors the section requires for its type.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $193, or $25 if correctedDMV Points: None✓ Correctable

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a Mirror Requirements ticket?

CVC 26709(a) says every motor vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction and every motorcycle subject to registration in California shall be equipped with a mirror reflecting to the driver a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear, and every motor vehicle subject to registration in California, except a motorcycle, shall be equipped with not less than two mirrors, including one on the left-hand side. Under 26709(b), a motor vehicle constructed or loaded so as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear, a vehicle towing a vehicle or load that obstructs that view, and a bus or trolley coach shall have mirrors on both sides giving a 200-foot view to the rear. Under 26709(c), subdivision (b) does not apply to a passenger vehicle when the load obstructing the view consists of passengers.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) (1) Every motor vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction and every motorcycle subject to registration in this state shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle. (2) Every motor vehicle subject to registration in this state, except a motorcycle, shall be equipped with not less than two mirrors, including one affixed to the left-hand side. (b) The following described types of motor vehicles, of a type subject to registration, shall be equipped with mirrors on both the left- and right-hand sides of the vehicle so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway through each mirror for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle: (1) A motor vehicle so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver’s view to the rear. (2) A motor vehicle towing a vehicle and the towed vehicle or load thereon obstructs the driver’s view to the rear. (3) A bus or trolley coach. (c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not apply to a passenger vehicle when the load obstructing the driver’s view consists of passengers. (d) This section does not apply to an autonomous vehicle, as defined in Section 38750, that is not capable of operation by a human driver seated in the vehicle, provided that this exemption is consistent with, or authorized by, any applicable federal law, regulation, or exemption thereto.

What the Officer Must Prove

1Your vehicle did not have the mirrors CVC 26709 requires for its type

Arguments Commonly Raised for Mirror Requirements

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

Your mirrors

If your vehicle had the mirrors the section requires, describe them and include photos.

Passengers blocking the view

CVC 26709(c) says subdivision (b) does not apply to a passenger vehicle when the load obstructing the driver's view consists of passengers.

Correction

If your notice is marked correctable and you present proof of correction, certified as Vehicle Code 40616 describes, by mail or in person on or before the date on your notice, the court shall dismiss the charge (Vehicle Code 40522). The clerk collects a $25 transaction fee unless the notice is processed only by the agency that issued it (Vehicle Code 40611).

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the mirrors after any repair
✗Not keeping repair receipts

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 26709 — Mirror Requirements. A motor vehicle subject to registration in California, other than a motorcycle, without at least two mirrors including one on the left side, or a vehicle without the mirrors the section requires for its type.

This section is a correctable (fix-it) violation: if the officer marks your notice correctable, the court shall dismiss the charge when you present proof of correction on or before the date on your notice (Vehicle Code 40522). The officer does not mark it correctable on finding fraud or persistent neglect, an immediate safety hazard, or that you do not agree to, or cannot, promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)).

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 26709. It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mirror Requirements

How many mirrors does California require?▼

CVC 26709(a)(2) says every motor vehicle subject to registration in California, except a motorcycle, shall be equipped with not less than two mirrors, including one affixed to the left-hand side.

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How to Clear This Fix-It Ticket

CVC 26709 fix-it ticket: what to repair, who signs off and how to file the proof →