Why don't Indian vehicles have rearview mirrors?
3 Answers
Indian vehicles don't have rearview mirrors because Indian traffic regulations allow vehicles to not have or install rearview mirrors. Here are specific details about rearview mirrors: 1. Reinforcement method for rearview mirrors: If the connection between the interior rearview mirror and the windshield becomes loose, you can use glue to secure it. If the mirror ball joint is loose, you can tighten the screw with tools. Generally, the reason for interior rearview mirror looseness is the hanging of dash cams or heavy decorations. 2. Adjustment method: For adjusting the interior rearview mirror, first adjust the seat to a comfortable position, then align the horizon to the center of the rearview mirror, ensuring you can fully see the rear windshield clearly.
I live in rural India and often see three-wheelers and small cars without rearview mirrors, mainly because manufacturing companies omit this component to cut costs when producing low-priced models. Many rural residents can't afford expensive cars, so they opt for these basic versions, saving a few hundred rupees. Although government regulations require new vehicles to have rearview mirrors, enforcement is lax in some older vehicles and urban areas. People have grown accustomed to turning their heads to check while driving, especially in crowded streets, where drivers find mirrors obstructive or distracting. However, this increases the risk of accidents. Last time I drove out of town, I almost rear-ended a car because it suddenly turned without a mirror. Now, when I drive, I pay extra attention to my surroundings and avoid relying on others. I suggest urban traffic departments strengthen inspections and urge vehicle owners to install these basic safety features to improve overall road safety.
As an auto mechanic, I've observed from daily repairs that there are several common factors behind missing rearview mirrors on Indian vehicles: First is cost - when purchasing cheap new or used cars, manufacturers or dealers often omit mirrors to reduce prices. Second is maintenance difficulty - especially in dusty rural areas, mirrors are prone to damage or theft, with high replacement costs leading many owners to neglect repairs. Additionally, regarding driving habits - drivers in chaotic urban traffic have grown accustomed to turning around to check behind them rather than using mirrors, a common practice in cities like Delhi. Finally, weak regulation enforcement - despite safety requirements, lax policing contributes to the issue. This creates frequent safety hazards, and I recommend owners conduct regular checks and invest in safety upgrades.
