by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
Driving with the doors off is one of the quintessential experiences for any Jeep enthusiast. It offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and connection to the outdoors — especially when the soft or hardtop is also removed.
However, driving doorless in your Jeep means you’re also removing the stock mirrors, which raises important questions about legality and safety. While many states have similar mirror requirements, there are enough differences throughout the country that everyone should understand how to remain compliant while enjoying open-door driving.
First off, yes, it is legal in 49 of the 50 states to remove your Jeep’s doors and daily drive. Currently, only Pennsylvania still requires a Jeep to have doors installed during on-road operation. There is legislation pending to change that law. However, nothing has yet been finalized, and the bill remains unsigned.
Every state in the U.S. has its own set of laws regarding vehicle mirrors. These laws are designed to ensure drivers have adequate visibility of the road behind them. Here’s a breakdown of general requirements:
Many states require a rearview mirror that provides a clear view of the road behind the vehicle. If the rearview mirror is obstructed (e.g., by a spare tire or from other stowed gear), side mirrors become crucial, and then at least a driver’s side mirror is required in most states. Still, some states do insist both side mirrors are in place if the rearview mirror is obstructed.
Only one state, Vermont, does not require any mirrors unless the Jeep is being used for towing.
Here’s how you can ensure you’re complying with mirror laws when you take the doors off your Jeep:
Install Aftermarket Mirrors
One way is to purchase door hinge mirrors. These mirrors attach directly to the door hinges after the doors are removed. They are easy to install and remove, making them a popular choice among Jeep owners.
Install A-Pillar mirrors. Mounted on the A-pillar, these mirrors remain in place regardless of whether the doors are on or off. They provide a consistent solution without the need for reinstallation every time the doors come off.
Additionally, there are inexpensive mirrors that slide into the door hinge pin and twist-lock into place, but these do need to be removed before the doors are reinstalled.
Check State Requirements
Know and understand your specific state laws and/or the laws of the state(s) where you plan to travel. Some states have different regulations for vehicles titled in that specific state versus ones titled in other states. For example, California requires all state-titled vehicles to have a driver mirror, as well as either a rearview mirror or passenger mirror, depending if the rear one is obstructed for whatever reason. However, out-of-state vehicles only need side mirrors if the rearview mirror is obstructed.
Regular Maintenance
Before any trip, or at least a few times a month, ensure all mirrors are properly adjusted and are in good working condition. Nearly all states require that rear-view visibility cover at least 200 feet behind the vehicle, so having all mirrors in proper shape is a must before you travel anywhere.
Here is a state-by-state list of vehicle mirror requirements. However, keep in mind laws can change, so make sure to visit your state's motor vehicle website for the most updated information before you make mirror modifications.
- AL: One required – either side or rearview
- AK: Two required: diver side and also must have passenger mirror if rearview is obstructed
- AZ: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- AR: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- CA: Driver mirror required if Jeep registered in the state. Also, it must have a passenger mirror if the rearview is obstructed. If the vehicle is not registered in CA, then side mirrors only required if rearview mirror obstructed
- CO: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- CT: One required – can be rearview if not obstructed, otherwise, it must be driver mirror. No passenger mirror required
- DE: One mirror required – can be driver, passenger, or rearview if not obstructed
- FL: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- GA: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- HI: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- ID: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- IL: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- IN: Mirrors not required unless view from the driver seat obstructed
- IA: Must have side mirrors if rearview mirror obstructed
- KS: Two required — driver and either rearview (unobstructed) or passenger (center obstructed)
- KY: Two required — driver and either rearview (unobstructed) or passenger (center obstructed)
- LA: Two required — driver and either center (unobstructed) or passenger (center obstructed)
- ME: Side mirrors required if rearview mirror obstructed
- MD: Two required — driver and either center (unobstructed) or passenger (center obstructed)
- MA: One mirror required with clear, unobstructed view to rear and left side
- MI: Driver side required unless licensed as historic vehicle that did not originally have exterior mirrors
- MN: One required – one side mirror only required if rearview obstructed
- MS: Side mirrors only required if rearview obstructed
- MO: Side mirrors only required if rearview obstructed
- MT: Side mirrors only required if rearview obstructed
- NE: Side mirrors only required if driver cannot see behind by looking backward from driver position
- NV: Side mirrors required if rearview obstructed
- NH: Side mirrors required if rearview obstructed
- NJ: Two required: Driver side and either center (unobscured) or passenger (center obscured)
- NM: Side mirrors required if rearview mirror obscured
- NY: For state-registered vehicles, anything 1968 or newer needs a driver mirror. For out of state vehicles, only a rearview mirror required unless obscured, then driver required
- NC: Vehicles 1965 or newer must have a driver and rearview mirror.
- ND: Driver and passenger mirrors only required if rearview mirror obscured
- OH: Driver and passenger mirrors only required if rearview mirror obscured
- OK: Two mirrors required – driver and either rearview (unobscured) or passenger (rearview obscured)
- OR: Side mirrors only required if rearview obscured
- PA: Side mirrors only required if rearview obstructed
- RI: Two mirrors required – driver and rearview
- SC: Both side mirrors required if rearview obstructed
- SD: Both side mirrors required if rearview obstructed
- TN: One unobstructed mirror required if vehicle is built to obscure driver’s rearview vision.
- TX: Side mirrors required if rearview mirror is obstructed
- UT: Driver mirror required as well as either rearview (unobstructed) or passenger (rearview obstructed)
- VT: Mirrors not required unless towing
- VA: Two mirrors required: A rearview as well as either a driver or passenger mirror
- WA: Driver required as well as either a rearview (unobstructed) or passenger (rearview obstructed)
- DC: Side mirrors required if rearview obstructed
- WV: No mirrors required unless driver's rear-facing view obstructed
- WI: Side mirrors required if rearview mirror is obstructed
- WY: Driver mirror required as well as rearview (unobstructed) or passenger (rearview obstructed)
