Ever spotted a pickup truck driving with towing mirrors extended but no trailer behind? It is a common sight and one that makes many people wonder: Is it legal to drive like that?
If you are a new truck owner or just curious this blog explains what the law says, when it could be a problem and why some drivers choose to keep their mirrors out even when they are not towing anything.
What Are Towing Mirrors?

Towing mirrors are designed to help drivers see past the sides of a trailer. They extend outward farther than standard mirrors providing better visibility for turning, backing up and changing lanes when hauling wide or long loads.
These mirrors can either be built in (as part of the truck’s design) or attachable (clip-on style) and they are crucial when towing something that blocks your normal rear view like a camper, trailer or boat.
What the Law Says

There is not a single, nationwide law that says it is illegal to drive with towing mirrors when you are not towing. However laws vary by state and region. Most of the time the law focuses on two main things: visibility and vehicle width.
In many states you are legally required to have side mirrors that allow you to see at least 200 feet behind your vehicle. That is why towing mirrors are necessary in the first place because trailers block that view. But the law is less specific about what happens once the trailer is unhooked.
What can matter, though, is how far those mirrors stick out. Some states limit how far any vehicle attachment including mirrors can extend past the body of your vehicle. If your towing mirrors go too far out you could technically be in violation of vehicle width regulations especially if you are not towing and don’t need the extra reach.
Can You Get a Ticket for It?

In most cases, no you won’t be pulled over just for having extended towing mirrors while not towing. However there are exceptions. Law enforcement may take notice if:
- The mirrors extend unusually far, possibly violating width rules.
- You are driving through narrow city streets where wide mirrors could be seen as a hazard.
- The mirrors contribute to an incident like scraping a parked car or hitting a cyclist. If that happens, our accident recovery service can assist you quickly.
It’s often at the discretion of the officer whether the mirrors are considered a safety issue. So while it’s not usually illegal it could be seen as careless in certain environments.
Real-World Experience
Let us say you are coming back from a camping trip and forget to retract your towing mirrors. You stop at a grocery store, and while turning into the lot, your mirror clips a sign or parked vehicle. Even though your mirrors aren’t illegal now they’ve contributed to an accident. That is when it could turn into a liability issue or lead to a fine.
Why Do Drivers Leave Their Towing Mirrors Out?

It is not always laziness. In fact there are a few practical reasons why some drivers leave their towing mirrors extended:
One of the most common is convenience. If you use your truck regularly for towing, you might not want to keep adjusting the mirrors every few days. Some mirrors are difficult to retract manually especially if they are aftermarket clip-ons.
Others leave them out of habit, not realizing that it could cause problems in tighter spaces. And then there are those who feel that the wider mirror view actually helps them even when not towing.
Still convenience should not outweigh safety. In busy areas wide mirrors can be more of a hazard than a help especially when parking or passing cyclists.
Safety Considerations

Even if you are not breaking any laws you should always consider whether your towing mirrors pose any risk to other people or to your own vehicle.
In crowded urban areas mirrors that stick out too far can interfere with cyclists, pedestrians or other vehicles. They can also make it harder to judge space in narrow lanes or parking spots. When left extended without a trailer, they can actually create new blind spots or lead to minor accidents that could easily be avoided.
In general if you no longer need the extra width to see past a trailer, retracting or removing the mirrors is the safer and smarter choice.
Best Practice: Retract When Not in Use
While keeping towing mirrors out is not usually illegal, retracting them when not towing is a recommended best practice. It helps you stay on the safe side of local laws, avoids irritating other drivers and reduces the risk of accidents.
If your mirrors are manual take the time to slide or fold them back in. If they are clip-ons, it is a good idea to remove them entirely. This simple habit can help you avoid attention from police, reduce blind spots and make your driving experience more comfortable.
A Note on Local Laws
Because traffic laws vary it is a good idea to check your local or state guidelines on vehicle width and mirror regulations. Some places are stricter than others especially in areas with a lot of foot traffic or narrow roadways.
For instance some states allow mirrors to extend up to 5 inches beyond the widest part of the vehicle while others allow more flexibility but only if towing. Knowing these numbers could help you avoid confusion or a potential fine.
Final Thoughts
So is it illegal to drive with towing mirrors when not towing? Most of the time, no it is not. But that does not mean it is always a good idea. Whether or not it’s allowed, it is smart to be considerate of your surroundings and adjust your mirrors based on the situation.
If you are done towing take a moment to fold them in. It is a small step that improves safety, shows courtesy and keeps you in line with the law just in case.