Motorcycle Mirror Vehicle Inspection Standards: Mirror Characteristics and Solutions That Will Fail Inspection

Motorcycle Mirror Vehicle Inspection Standards

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/84-2454728/

Rearview mirrors, essential for checking behind you, are not simply "OK if installed." Strict standards are in place due to their impact on safety.

Many aftermarket motorcycle mirrors are available, but for motorcycles requiring vehicle inspection (those with displacement exceeding 250cc), it's important to confirm they meet the following inspection criteria before replacement.

Number of Mirrors and Installation Obligation

For motorcycles with displacement exceeding 50cc, one mirror is mandatory on both the left and right sides. If only one is present, it is illegal, will not pass vehicle inspection, and is subject to police enforcement.

For motorcycles 50cc or less, a mirror on only the right side is permissible, but since checking the left rear would rely solely on direct sight, installation on both sides is recommended for safety.

Motorcycles with a legal maximum speed exceeding 50km/h are obligated to have mirrors installed on both the left and right sides. Installation on only one side constitutes a violation of safety standards and is subject to police enforcement (1 violation point, 6,000 yen fine).

Mirror Surface Area and Size

The mirror surface has detailed regulations regarding its area and size. Failure to meet the following ranges may result in a violation of safety standards:

• Area must be 69cm² or more.
• Circular mirrors must have a diameter between 94 and 150mm.
• Non-circular (e.g., square) mirrors must be less than 120 x 200mm and capable of containing a circle with a diameter of 78mm.

Genuine parts (motorcycle mirrors installed at the time of new car purchase) comply with vehicle inspection standards, but if you replace them with non-genuine mirrors, you must meet the above standards.

For non-circular mirrors, pay attention to the requirement that they must be able to contain a circle with a diameter of 78mm, as well as the size standards.

Mounting Position and Structure

Motorcycle mirrors have a fixed mounting position and must be installed at least 280mm outward from the center point of the handlebars.

Therefore, "bar-end mirrors" installed on the handlebar ends are acceptable, but if they are not designed with an impact-absorbing structure and pedestrian protection in mind, they violate safety standards.

Furthermore, to ensure rearward visibility, they must be adjustable in angle and other respects, and the mirror surface must be free of cracks, fogging, or distortion.

Differences in Standards by Model Year

Mirror standards also vary depending on the motorcycle's manufacturing year. Models from 2007 onwards must meet the following standards:

1. Area must be 69cm² or more.
2. Circular mirrors must have a diameter between 94 and 150mm.
3. Non-circular mirrors must be less than 120 x 200mm and capable of containing a circle with a diameter of 78mm.

For motorcycles manufactured on or before December 31, 2006 (Heisei 18), there are no regulations for mirror surface size (area or diameter for circular mirrors), so they do not need to meet the area size standards.

Older motorcycles, often called "kyusha" (classic cars), may be exempt from meeting some standards to pass inspection. However, if the mirrors are fixed by welding, they will not pass.

Risks of Violation

If you have non-compliant motorcycle mirrors installed, you will fail the vehicle inspection, and you will have the hassle of replacing the mirrors and undergoing reinspection.

There is also a high risk of being subject to enforcement for violating safety standards or for poor maintenance, likely resulting in a fine (6,000 yen for motorcycles) and 1 violation point.

Furthermore, if an illegal modification is deemed a malicious alteration, in the worst-case scenario, a court may impose criminal penalties (imprisonment or a fine), and there is a risk of acquiring a criminal record (a criminal record is established when a court-imposed penalty is finalized).

Characteristics of Motorcycle Mirrors That Fail Vehicle Inspection

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/BC-7621236/

Motorcycle mirrors that fail vehicle inspection have the following characteristics:

• Incorrect number or position of mirrors
• Insufficient visibility
• Problems with structure or safety
• Violation of standards not matching the model year

If you have replaced your motorcycle mirrors with aftermarket ones and are concerned about passing the inspection, please check if they match these characteristics.

Incorrect Number or Position of Mirrors

Motorcycle mirrors require one on both the left and right sides for bikes exceeding 50cc. If the number of mirrors is insufficient, it is a violation of safety standards and will fail vehicle inspection.

Furthermore, mirrors must be installed at a position at least 280mm outward from the center of the handlebars. If they move easily or are loose, they will also not pass inspection.

Check if the number of mirrors is sufficient, if the installation position is at least 280mm from the center of the handlebars, and if the mirrors do not move or loosen easily.

Insufficient Visibility

If the mirror surface is extremely small and does not provide sufficient rearward visibility, it will also fail vehicle inspection as a violation of mirror safety standards.

If the mirror surface has distortion, discoloration, fogging, scratches, or cracks, causing the image to not be reflected correctly, it is also highly likely to fail vehicle inspection.

In cases where excessively wide-angle mirrors (extremely curved or small custom mirrors) make it difficult to judge distances behind you, there have been instances of failure. If you are concerned, revert to genuine mirrors for the inspection.

Problems with Structure or Safety

Motorcycle mirrors must have an "impact absorption device" structure that cushions (softens) impact in case of contact. Mirrors that are shaped in a way that could endanger pedestrians upon contact will fail vehicle inspection.

Furthermore, fixed mirrors that have an impact-absorbing structure but lack adjustment functions for angle or direction are also a violation of regulations.

Also, fixing the mirror itself with welding or other means is not allowed, and DIY installations that do not meet safety standards will also fail vehicle inspection, so be careful.

What is an impact absorption device?

An impact absorption device is a mechanism that softens impact if the mirror is subjected to force, such as in an accident. Typically, the adapter connecting the mirror to the vehicle body fulfills this role.

To reduce impact on the rider, the installation of impact absorption devices has been mandatory for motorcycles produced since 2007. Failure to comply is a violation of safety standards.

Additionally, in cases where a pedestrian comes into contact with the mirror or if the motorcycle falls over in an accident and the mirror hits the ground, the impact absorption device helps reduce damage to pedestrians and damage to the mirror itself.

Violation of Standards Not Matching the Model Year

Models from 2007 onwards will also fail vehicle inspection if they do not meet the following mirror size and area standards:

• Area must be 69cm² or more.
• Circular mirrors must have a diameter between 94 and 150mm.
• Non-circular mirrors must be less than 120 x 200mm and capable of containing a circle with a diameter of 78mm.

Models from 2006 and earlier will pass vehicle inspection even if they don't meet the area standards, but even for older vehicles, if the "visibility" of the mirror or the "robustness of its installation" is insufficient, they will fail, so caution is advised.

Other Common Reasons for Failure

Bar-end mirrors (mirrors installed at the end of the handlebars) can fail if they don't protrude sufficiently outward or if visibility is inadequate.

Extremely small custom mirrors, while stylish, often fail due to non-compliance with safety standards, so choose mirrors that meet the size requirements.

Aftermarket products that don't state "vehicle inspection compliant" or those whose size and structure are subtly outside the standards are highly likely to fail inspection.

How to Prepare Motorcycle Mirrors for Vehicle Inspection

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/A4-2567808/

Many aftermarket mirrors (mirrors other than genuine parts) are available, and mirror replacement is an easy customization. However, those that do not meet size standards or violate regulations will fail vehicle inspection.

If you are unsure whether your mirrors will pass vehicle inspection, try the following methods.

Keep Your Genuine Mirrors

The most reliable option for vehicle inspection is to "revert to genuine mirrors." Therefore, if you replace your mirrors with aftermarket ones for customization, it's recommended to keep your genuine mirrors handy.

If you keep your genuine mirrors, you can enjoy your preferred aftermarket mirrors normally and then switch back to genuine mirrors only before the inspection, eliminating the risk of failing the inspection.

Especially for older motorcycles, it's reassuring to have genuine mirrors, so if you replace genuine mirrors with aftermarket ones, be sure to keep and store the genuine mirrors.

Choose Aftermarket Products Marked "Vehicle Inspection Compliant"

Some parts manufacturers sell motorcycle mirrors explicitly marked as "safety standard compliant" or "vehicle inspection compliant." If these markings are present, they are less likely to be questioned at the inspection site.

Ambiguous products (such as inexpensive overseas items) are highly likely to be non-compliant and may be flagged at the inspection site. Therefore, do not make purchase decisions based solely on price; also check if they comply with safety standards and vehicle inspection requirements.

Mirrors like the ones below are inspection-compliant and clear the size regulations stipulated by safety standards, making them suitable for custom mirrors.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/kn-01mr003b-kn

The KN Kikaku (KN KIKAKU) "RCB Bar End Mirror" is a high-quality aluminum CNC machined bar end mirror that complies with the European standard "E-mark."

The E-mark, also known as the European standard, is a mark given to products that comply with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) regulations. Products with an E-mark are also compatible with Japanese vehicle inspections.

• Product Name: RCB Bar End Mirror Aluminum CNC Side Mirror S5 Series
• Manufacturer: KN Kikaku (KN KIKAKU)
• Type: Bar End Mirror
• Compatible Models: Universal
• Quantity: Pair (2 pieces total)
• Selling Price (incl. tax): 11,096 yen

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/kn-kn-bamm-y8-bk

The KN Kikaku "Mini Round Mirror Reverse Thread" is a cost-effective mini mirror with an 8mm reverse thread mounting.

Despite being a mini mirror, its mirror surface meets vehicle inspection standards for size. It's sold individually, so if it breaks, the expense is minimal (for new installations, two are needed for both sides).

• Product Name: Mini Round Mirror Reverse Thread
• Manufacturer: KN Kikaku (KN KIKAKU)
• Type: Handlebar Mirror (Reverse thread 8mm mounting)
• Compatible Models: Universal
• Quantity: 1 piece per side (common to left and right)
• Selling Price (incl. tax): 1,681 yen

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-15402

The DAYTONA "High-Vis Parallel Low Chrome Plated" mirror, which expands rearward visibility and enhances safety, is designed to comply with new safety standards.

High-Vis stands for "HIGH VISIBILITY MIRROR," and these mirrors offer high functionality and design, including a wider field of view than genuine mirrors, sturdy arms that reduce vibration, and a mechanical design.

• Product Name: High-Vis Mirror Parallel Low Chrome Plated
• Manufacturer: DAYTONA
• Type: Handlebar Mirror (Right-hand thread 10mm mounting)
• Compatible Models: Universal
• Quantity: 1 piece per side (common to left and right)
• Selling Price (incl. tax): 3,300 yen

Confirm Secure Installation

If there's looseness or wobbling in the mirror's installation, it will fail vehicle inspection. The same applies to the handlebars, so check that the mirrors are securely fixed without loosening and that the handlebars have no play.

Inspect the tightening of the mirror mounting bolts and the fastening method, ensuring a robust installation that won't loosen due to vibrations while riding.

Bar-end mirrors often fail due to insufficient outward protrusion or poor visibility, so choose mirrors that meet the specified size and pay attention to the mounting angle.

Inspect the Mirror Surface Condition

Cracks, scratches, fogging, discoloration, or any condition that obstructs rearward visibility on the motorcycle mirror's surface is unacceptable. Even minor scratches or discoloration can lead to failure.

Clean any fogging or dirt with a lens cleaner and check for a clear reflection before undergoing the inspection.

Curved or blue mirrors will pass "if rearward visibility is confirmed," but if the curvature is extreme or the blue tint is too dark, they are likely to be flagged.

Pre-Inspection Precautions

The strictness of vehicle inspection standards varies by inspection center and individual inspector, with an element of luck involved as the inspector's judgment influences the outcome.

If countermeasures are not taken in time, re-inspection will be necessary, incurring additional re-inspection fees, which takes time and doubles the effort.

Instead of going into the inspection with uncertainty about whether it will pass, take thorough measures to ensure it passes even the strictest inspection.