New N.Y. Law Requires Some Trucks to Have Convex Mirrors

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has signed a bill requiring trucks registered in the state and operating in New York City to have convex mirrors on the front of the vehicles.

The mirrors “will allow truck operators to see pedestrians or objects directly in front of them and will offer new safety protections to many New Yorkers,” Cuomo said at the signing Monday.

The New York State Motor Truck Association opposed the bill, citing the financial burden to carriers who must equip each truck with a mirror that can cost as much as $200 for purchase and installation.

The association also questioned the effectiveness of the mirrors in reducing the number of truck-pedestrian accidents because hundreds of trucks from surrounding states enter the city every day and will not be required to have the mirrors.

Supporters of the legislation, which takes effect in six months, said convex mirrors improve safety by allowing drivers to see anyone who is at least 3 feet tall and is one foot in front of the vehicle.