{"id":"F2006L02688","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 14/00 – Rear Vision Mirrors) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-14-00-rear-vision-mirrors-2006","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":59954,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006L02688-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 14/00 – Rear Vision Mirrors) 2006","content":"![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.png)\n\nVehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 14/00 – Rear Vision Mirrors) 2006\n\nI, JAMES ERIC LLOYD, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, determine this vehicle standard under subsection 7 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.\n\nDated 31 July 2006\n\n\\[SIGNED\\]\n\nJames Eric Lloyd\n\nMinister for Local Government, Territories and Roads\n\nCONTENTS\n\n0. legislative provisions.............................................3\n\npurpose and SCOPE.....................................................3\n\nAPPLICABILITY......................................................3\n\n14.1. DEFINITIONS..................................................4\n\n14.2. REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLE CATEGORIES MA; MB; MC; and MD1 ONLY 4\n\n14.3. TEST PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLE CATEGORIES MA; MB; MC; and MD1 ONLY 6\n\n14.4. REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLE CATEGORIES MD2; MD3; ME; AND N-GROUP VEHICLES ONLY 6\n\n14.5. REQUIREMENTS FOR L-GROUP VEHICLES ONLY.................7\n\n14.6. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS....................................7\n\n  \n\n0. legislative provisions\n\n0.1. NAME OF STANDARD\n\n0.1.1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 14/00 – Rear Vision Mirrors) 2006.\n\n0.1.2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 14/00 — Rear Vision Mirrors.\n\n0.2. COMMENCEMENT\n\n0.2.1. This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n0.3. REPEAL\n\n0.3.1. This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 14/00 — Rear Vision Mirrors that is:\n\n(a) made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989; and\n\n(b) in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\n0.3.2. This Standard also repeals each instrument made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 that creates a vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 14/00 — Rear Vision Mirrors, if there are no other vehicle standards created by that instrument, or amendments to vehicle standards made by that instrument, that are still in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\npurpose and SCOPE\n\nThis Australian Design Rule (ADR) is part of the Australian motor vehicle standards system and is a national standard for the purpose of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.\n\nThe function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for rear vision mirrors to provide the driver with a clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear.\n\nAPPLICABILITY\n\nThis ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles a set out in the table hereunder.\n\n  \n\n| Vehicle Category                              | ADR Category Code [*] | UNECE Category Code * | Manufactured on or After | Acceptable Prior Rules |\n| --------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------- |\n| Moped 2 wheels                                | LA                    | L1                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Moped 3 wheels                                | LB                    | L2                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Motor cycle                                   | LC                    | L3                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Motor cycle and sidecar                       | LD                    | L4                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Motor tricycle                                | LE                    | L5                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Passenger car                                 | MA                    | M1                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Forward-control passenger vehicle             | MB                    | M1                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Off-road passenger vehicle                    | MC                    | M1                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Light omnibus                                 | MD                    | M2                    |                          |                        |\n| up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and up to 12 seats     | MD1                   |                       | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and more than 12 seats | MD2                   |                       | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’    | MD3                   |                       | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes ‘GVM’      | MD4                   |                       | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Heavy omnibus                                 | ME                    | M3                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Light goods vehicle                           | NA                    | N1                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Medium goods vehicle                          | NB                    | N2                    |                          |                        |\n| over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’        | NB1                   |                       | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes ‘GVM’         | NB2                   |                       | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Heavy goods vehicle                           | NC                    | N3                    | 1 July 1988              | Nil                    |\n| Very light trailer                            | TA                    | O1                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n| Light trailer                                 | TB                    | O2                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n| Medium trailer                                | TC                    | O3                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n| Heavy trailer                                 | TD                    | O4                    | Not Applicable           |                        |\n\n1.  DEFINITIONS\n\nRefer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n\n1.  REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLE CATEGORIES MA; MB; MC; and MD1 ONLY\n\nAny mirror fitted to a vehicle and intended to provide the driver with a view of following or overtaking vehicles shall be designed with a flat reflecting surface\n\n1.  An external mirror complying with. the requirements of Clause 14.2.3 shall be fitted on the driver's side of the vehicle. An internal rear vision mirror shall also be provided except where the design of the motor vehicle does not provide for internal rear vision. In any case where the requirements of Clause 14.2.2 are not met the vehicle shall be equipped with a passenger's side external rear vision mirror complying with Clause 14.2.3.2.\n2.  Internal Rear Vision Mirrors\n    1.  Field of view - A internal mirror shall be installed that provides all drivers (with eyes located by the '95th Percentile Eye Ellipses' tangent contours) with a view to the rear, with an included horizontal angle of at last 20 degrees and sufficient vertical angle to provide a view of a level road surface extending to the horizon beginning at a point not greater than 61 m to the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is occupied by the driver and 4 passengers or the designated 'Seating Capacity', if less, based on 68 kg average occupant mass. The line of sight may be partially obscured by seated occupants or by 'Head Restraints'.\n    2.  Mounting\n        1.  The mirror mounting shall provide a stable support for the mirror, and shall provide for adjustment by tilting in both horizontal and vertical directions.\n        2.  If the minor is in the 'Head Impact Area', the mounting shall deflect, collapse or break away without leaving sharp edges when the reflective surface of the mirror is subjected to a force of not more than 400 N in any 'Forward' direction that is not more than 45 degrees from the 'Forward longitudinal direction.\n3.  External Rear Vision Mirrors\n    1.  Driver's Side\n        1.  Field of View - An external minor shall be installed that provides all drivers (with eyes located by the '95th Percentile Eye Ellipses' tangent contours) with a view of a level road surface extending to the horizon from a line perpendicular to a plane tangential to the driver's side of the vehicle at the widest point and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, extending 2.4 metres out from the tangential plane 11 metres behind the driver's eyes with the \\`Seat' in the rearmost position. The line of sight may be partially obscured by rear body or wheel guard contours.\n        2.  Mounting - The mirror mounting shall provide a stable support for the mirror and neither the mirror nor the mounting shall protrude further than the widest part of the vehicle body, except to the extent necessary to produce a field of view meeting the requirements of Clause 14.2.3.1.1. The mirror shall not be obscured by the unwiped portion of the windscreen, and shall be adjustable from the driver's seating position. The mirror and mounting shall be free of sharp points or edges that could contribute to pedestrian injury.\n    2.  Passenger’s Side - Where a left-hand external mirror is provided in compliance with Clause 14.2.1 its mounting shall provide a stable support for the mirror. The mirror and mount shall be free of sharp points or edges that could contribute to pedestrian injury. The mirror need not be adjustable from the driver's seating position.\n4.  Mirror Construction - The reflectance value of the reflective film employed shall be at least 35 percent. If a mirror is of the selective position prismatic type, the reflectance value in the night driving position shall be least 4 percent.\n\n1.  TEST PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLE CATEGORIES MA; MB; MC; and MD1 ONLY\n    1.  Reflectance shall be determined in accordance with SAE document J964 'Test Procedure for Determining Reflectivity of Rearview Mirror\" June 1966.\n    2.  The horizontal angle is measured from the projected eye point rather than the plane of the mirror.\n2.  REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLE CATEGORIES MD2; MD3; ME; AND N-GROUP VEHICLES ONLY\n    1.  There shall be affixed to every vehicle a mirror or mirrors so designed and fitted and of such dimensions as to be capable of reflecting to the driver as far as practicable a clear view of the road to the rear of the driver and of any following or overtaking vehicle.\n    2.  At least one such mirror shall be affixed to each side of the vehicle and may project 150 mm beyond the point of 'Overall Width' of the vehicle, or the 'Overall Width' of any trailer it may be drawing\n        1.  if the vehicle is a goods vehicle or an omnibus;\n        2.  if the trailer be of greater width than the drawing vehicle: or\n        3.  in any case where, because of the manner in which the vehicle is constructed or equipped, or the fact that it is drawing a trailer or for any other reason, the driver could not, by means of a mirror affixed to the inside of the vehicle, have reflected to the driver as far as practicable a clear view of the road to the rear of the driver and of any following or overtaking vehicle.\n    3.  The minors may project 230 mm on each side beyond the point of 'Overall Width' of the vehicle provided that the mirror is capable of collapsing to 150 mm.\n    4.  All such minors fitted to vehicles shall be at least 150 square centimetres in area.\n    5.  Any mirror fitted to a vehicle intended to provide the driver with a view of following or overtaking vehicles, shall be designed with a flat reflecting surface.  \n        \n3.  REQUIREMENTS FOR L-GROUP VEHICLES ONLY\n\nAll vehicles shall be equipped with 2 rear vision mirrors having the same curvature (including fatness), symmetrically placed relative to the centre of the steering control and of such dimensions as to be capable of reflecting to the driver as far as practicable a clear view of the road to the rear of him and of any following or overtaking vehicle. If a mirror has a convex surface it shall have a radius of curvature of not less than 1.2 m metres.\n\n1.  ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS\n\nThe technical requirements of ECE R 46/00 or 46/01 \"Rear View Mirrors' - shall be deemed to be equivalent to the technical requirements of this Rule, except that all mirrors must have a flat reflecting surface.\n\n---\n\n[\\[\\*\\]](#_ftnref1) The category code may also be in the format L1, LA etc.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument repeals prior versions of ADR 14/00 and re‑issues a national technical standard for rear vision mirrors (Clauses 0.3.1; 0.1.1). The text retains a functionally similar scope—setting mandatory mirror design, siting, performance and test requirements across vehicle categories—so there is no apparent broad expansion or narrowing of subject‑matter scope. Notable modification: it accepts ECE R46 as an alternative only where mirrors still have a flat reflecting surface, which tightens equivalence for that specific pathway (ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS)."},"complexity_factors":["Wide applicability table covering many vehicle categories with differing effective dates and exceptions (APPLICABILITY table).","Detailed, geometry‑based field‑of‑view requirements referencing '95th Percentile Eye Ellipses' and fixed distances (internal mirror: 61 m; external driver's side: 2.4 m out and 11 m behind the driver's eyes) (Clauses 14.2.2.1 and 14.2.3.1.1).","Multiple, category‑specific rules (MA/MB/MC/MD1; MD2/MD3/ME/N; L‑group) creating branching compliance paths (Headings 14.2–14.5).","Specific mounting and occupant‑impact requirements including a 400 N breakaway/deflection test for mounts in the 'Head Impact Area' (Clause 14.2.2.2.2).","Reflectance minimums and a prescribed test procedure referencing SAE J964 (reflectance ≥35%; night prismatic position ≥4%) (Clause 14.2.4; Clause 14.3.1).","Heavy vehicle allowances and mechanical collapse requirements for protruding mirrors (150 mm permitted; 230 mm permitted if collapsible to 150 mm) and minimum mirror area (150 cm²) (Clauses 14.4.2–14.4.4).","Cross‑references to other instruments and definitions (Vehicle Standard (ADR Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005), increasing dependency on external material (Clause 1. DEFINITIONS).","Recognition of alternative international standard ECE R46 as equivalent but with an absolute requirement that all mirrors be flat, creating a non‑standard carve‑out (ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS).","Repeal and commencement mechanics that replace prior ADR 14/00 instruments, requiring attention to transitional/compliance timing (Clauses 0.2.1 and 0.3.1).","Practical compliance burdens on manufacturers and importers to design, fit, adjust and test mirrors per precise measurements and to fit passenger‑side mirrors where internal vision is inadequate (Clause 14.2.1)."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument sets mandatory technical requirements for rear‑vision mirrors on a wide range of vehicle categories. It specifies where mirrors must be fitted, the field‑of‑view geometry, mounting strength and adjustability, reflectance and size, and the test method to be used. It affects vehicle manufacturers, importers and designers who must design, fit and test mirrors to these rules so vehicles meet national safety and compliance requirements."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains focused on its original purpose: specifying rear vision mirror requirements for motor vehicles. While it categorises different vehicle types (cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles) with tailored requirements, this differentiation is inherent to the original regulatory intent rather than scope creep. The inclusion of alternative international standards (ECE R 46) represents harmonisation rather than expansion beyond the core purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple vehicle category systems (ADR codes like MA, MB, MC vs UNECE codes like M1, L1) requiring cross-referencing","Technical measurement specifications requiring engineering knowledge (95th Percentile Eye Ellipses, 20-degree horizontal angles, 61m viewing distances)","Conditional logic: different rules apply based on vehicle category, seating capacity, and whether internal rear vision is possible","Nested exceptions in Clause 14.2.1 (internal mirror required except where design prevents it, and passenger side mirror required only if internal mirror insufficient)","References to external technical documents (SAE J964, ECE R 46/00, ADR Definitions and Vehicle Categories 2005)","Specific dimensional tolerances (150mm projection, 230mm collapsible, 150 sq cm minimum area, 35% reflectance, 4% night position)","Fragmented structure with sections applying to mutually exclusive vehicle groups (MA-MB-MC-MD1 vs MD2-MD3-ME-N vs L-group)"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets mandatory rear‑vision mirror standards for vehicles sold in Australia, requiring specific mirror types, placements, sizes and break‑away features so drivers can see behind and beside them. It applies to car, motorcycle, truck/bus manufacturers and vehicle importers, and ultimately benefits drivers by reducing blind spots.\n\nDifferent rules cover passenger cars, larger commercial vehicles and L‑group bikes (e.g., two mirrors, minimum sizes/angles, mounting limits). It recognises ECE R46 but prefers flat mirrors for safety."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-14-00-rear-vision-mirrors-2006","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-14-00-rear-vision-mirrors-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-14-00-rear-vision-mirrors-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-14-00-rear-vision-mirrors-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-14-00-rear-vision-mirrors-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-14-00-rear-vision-mirrors-2006/documents"}}