Caravan towing mirrors
You need them when the van blocks your view behind.
The road rules require a clear view of the road and traffic behind you.
If the caravan fills your car's own mirrors, fit towing mirrors before you drive.
Published . 3 min read • Technical Guide
You need towing mirrors when the caravan blocks your view of the road behind in the car's own mirrors.
The road rules require a clear view of the road and traffic behind you. Your mirrors must show the road behind and any vehicle following or overtaking.
- The road rule - a clear view of the road and traffic behind you (road rule 297(2))
- What the mirrors must show - the road behind and any vehicle following or overtaking (Queensland and Victorian vehicle standards)
- A reversing camera - does not replace mirrors (Queensland Government advice)
When you need towing mirrors
Road rule 297(2) says you must not drive unless you have a clear view of the road and traffic ahead, behind and to each side. A caravan behind the car can block the view behind in the car's own mirrors.
The vehicle standards in Queensland and Victoria say your mirrors must let you clearly see the road behind and any vehicle following or overtaking. These rules describe the view you need. They do not name a type of mirror.
Transport for NSW says extra mirrors may be needed when towing a large trailer. WA's Department of Transport says extra mirrors may be needed for a wide trailer or caravan. The Queensland Government says a rear-view camera helps you see traffic behind, but does not replace mirrors.
The three kinds of towing mirror
Clip-on mirrors
A mirror head that clamps over the car's own mirror housing and sits further out.
Quick to fit and take off. Check the clamp holds firm at highway speed.
Strap-on mirrors
A mirror on an arm that straps around the car's own mirror housing.
Fits many cars. Check the straps are tight and the mirror does not shake.
Replacement towing mirrors
A full mirror unit that replaces the car's own mirrors and extends out when you tow.
Stays on the car. Fold or slide it back in when you are not towing.
What to check
- Sit in your normal driving position before you check anything.
- In each mirror, you can see the road behind the van and any vehicle following or overtaking.
- Both side mirrors are adjusted for a clear view behind.
- The mirrors are fitted and adjusted before you drive off.
- At each stop, check they are still firm and still aimed right.
- When you finish towing, take off clip-on or strap-on mirrors, or fold replacement mirrors back in.
Towing mirrors for your car
Mirrors are one part of towing a van. The towing check for your car shows which caravans sit inside its tow rating, towball limit and GCM (Gross Combination Mass). The towbar and towball can set a lower limit.
Our printable checklists include towing mirrors in the before-you-leave list.
Common questions
Are towing mirrors a legal requirement?
The road rules require you to have a clear view of the road and traffic behind you. These rules do not name a type of towing mirror. If the van blocks that view in your car's own mirrors, extra mirrors are how you get it back.
Can a reversing camera replace towing mirrors?
The Queensland Government says rear-view cameras help you see traffic behind you but do not replace the need for mirrors.
Should I take towing mirrors off when I'm not towing?
WA's Department of Transport says extra towing mirrors should be removed when you are not towing.
Do I need towing mirrors for a small caravan?
Sit in the driver's seat with the van hitched and look in both mirrors. If you can see the road behind the van and any traffic following or overtaking, your car's own mirrors may be enough. If the van fills the mirror, fit towing mirrors.