What is the required function of a vehicle's side mirrors?

The required function of a vehicle's side mirrors is to provide a clear view of the road behind without excessive distortion. This is essential for safe driving, as drivers need to be able to accurately see vehicles and obstacles that are approaching from the rear or sides. Clear visibility in the mirrors ensures that a driver can make informed decisions when changing lanes or merging, enhancing overall road safety.

While reducing glare from sunlight may be a desirable feature in some mirrors and displaying blind spots clearly is important for safe driving, these are not the primary legal or technical requirements for side mirrors as stipulated in Maryland state inspection regulations. Automatic adjustment based on speed is also not a standard function mandated for side mirrors and is typically found in more advanced vehicle systems. Therefore, providing a clear view of the road behind with minimal distortion remains the key requirement for vehicle side mirrors.