Blind spots kill dune runs and get UTVs pulled over on street-legal routes — the right mirrors for side by side rigs fix both problems at once, and picking one comes down to mounting, field of view, and whether your state's registration checklist requires a pair.
- Cuero UTE Side Mirror wins overall for wide-view coverage plus adjustable lighting at $174.99.
- Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror with SPOT Mirror pair is the budget-smart choice for blind-spot coverage at $41.99.
- Replacement Glass for Cuero UTV Side Mirror is the cheapest fix for cracked lenses at $6.99.
- Most states requiring UTV street registration list dual exterior mirrors on the equipment checklist — one mirror won't pass inspection.
- Roll cage tube diameter (1.6" to 2" on most rigs) decides which clamp or bung mount actually fits.
Why this matters
A cracked or undersized mirror is one of the fastest ways to get flagged during a UTV street-legal inspection, and it's an easy fix compared to the rest of a compliance checklist. If you're outfitting a rig from R1 Industries Off Road for trail-to-street use, mirrors sit right next to horns and turn signals on the must-have list in 2026.
Beyond paperwork, visibility matters every time you're threading a line between rocks or merging back onto a fire road behind a group. A mirror that vibrates loose at 40 mph or fogs over in dust isn't doing its job — it's just decoration bolted to your cage.
What makes the best mirrors for side by side rigs
- Mounting compatibility — clamp-style units need the right roll cage tube diameter (1.6" to 2" covers most Polaris, Can-Am, and Kawasaki cages); bung-style mounts bolt in permanently and skip clamp scarring
- Field of view — wider mirror surfaces and secondary spot mirrors cut blind spots on the passenger side and behind the cage
- Glass clarity — convex or flat lens choice changes distortion; anti-glare coatings matter in direct desert sun
- Vibration resistance — a mirror that shakes at speed is useless; mount rigidity is the difference between a $6.99 glass swap and a $175 unit that holds still
- DOT/state equipment compliance — most states that allow UTV street registration require two exterior mirrors as part of the inspection checklist
- Replaceable parts — glass-only replacement options save the housing and mount when just the lens cracks
Mirrors for side by side vehicles: at a glance
| Mirror | Best for | Standout feature | Starting price | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuero UTE Side Mirror | Best overall wide-view setup | Wide field of view plus adjustable lighting | $174.99 | Pricier than a basic clamp mirror |
| Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror with SPOT Mirror | Best for blind-spot coverage | Secondary spot mirror fits 1.6"-2" cages | $41.99 | Clamp-style mount only |
| Assault Industries Bomber/B2/Aviator Mirror Glass | Best for replacing damaged OEM glass | Direct-fit replacement lens | $39.95 | Glass only, no housing or mount |
| Cuero Pro Side Mirror Bung Mounts | Best for no-clamp cage mounting | Bolt-in bung eliminates clamp scarring | $19.99 | Mount only, mirror head sold separately |
| Replacement Glass for Cuero UTV Side Mirror | Best budget option | Cheapest fix for a cracked Cuero mirror | $6.99 | Fits Cuero housings only |
1. Cuero UTE Side Mirror: best mirror for wide-view daily driving
The Cuero UTE Side Mirror ships as a set of two and adds adjustable lighting alongside a wider mirror surface than most clamp-style units on the market. It's built for owners who want one mirror to handle trail visibility and street inspection without swapping parts between seasons.
Cuero UTE Side Mirror pros:
- Wider field of view than standard clamp mirrors
- Adjustable lighting built into the housing
- Sold as a matched left/right pair
Cuero UTE Side Mirror cons:
- Highest price point on this list
- Adjustable lighting adds wiring steps most other mirrors skip
Cuero UTE Side Mirror pricing: $174.99 for the set.
Best for: Riders who want a single mirror upgrade that covers both dune days and street-legal inspection. Verdict: Buy.
2. Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror with SPOT Mirror: best for blind-spot coverage
This right-and-left pair fits 1.6" to 2" roll cage tubing and builds a secondary spot mirror into each housing, which cuts the passenger-side blind spot that swallows ATVs and side-by-sides on tight trail passes.
Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror pros:
- Built-in spot mirror adds a second viewing angle
- Fits the most common roll cage tube diameters
- Priced well under the Cuero UTE set
Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror cons:
- Clamp-only mounting, no bung option
- No adjustable lighting
Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror pricing: $41.99 for the pair.
Best for: Riders who need dual mirrors plus blind-spot coverage without paying for extras. Verdict: Buy.
3. Assault Industries Bomber/B2/Aviator Mirror Glass: best for replacing damaged OEM glass
When the housing and mount are fine but the glass is cracked or scratched, this direct-fit replacement lens restores clarity without buying a whole new mirror assembly.
Assault Industries mirror glass pros:
- Direct fit for Bomber/B2/Aviator series housings
- Restores clarity without replacing the full mirror
- Straightforward install
Assault Industries mirror glass cons:
- Only compatible with matching Assault Industries housings
- No mount or arm included
Assault Industries mirror glass pricing: $39.95.
Best for: Owners already running Bomber/B2/Aviator mirrors who just cracked the lens. Verdict: Buy.
4. Cuero Pro Side Mirror Bung Mounts: best for no-clamp cage mounting
Instead of clamping onto the cage tube, this mount welds or bolts into a bung, which eliminates the scratches and slow-loosening grip that clamp mounts leave behind over a season of trail use.
Cuero Pro Bung Mounts pros:
- No clamp marks on the roll cage
- Pod light compatibility built into the mount
- More rigid than clamp-style arms over time
Cuero Pro Bung Mounts cons:
- Requires drilling or welding for permanent bung install
- Mirror head sold separately
Cuero Pro Bung Mounts pricing: $19.99 for the set of two mounts.
Best for: Owners building a permanent mirror setup who don't want clamp marks on a powder-coated cage. Verdict: Buy.
5. Replacement Glass for Cuero UTV Side Mirror: best budget option
At $6.99 this is the cheapest item on the list by a wide margin — it only replaces the glass on an existing Cuero mirror housing, so it's not a standalone mirror solution.
Cuero replacement glass pros:
- Lowest price on this list
- Easy reinstall into existing Cuero housing
Cuero replacement glass cons:
- Fits Cuero housings only, not universal
- Doesn't help if the housing or mount is damaged
Cuero replacement glass pricing: $6.99.
Best for: Cuero mirror owners who just need a new lens, not a new mirror. Verdict: Buy if you already own a Cuero mirror; Skip otherwise.
How this list was ranked
Each mirror was weighed against the six criteria above — mounting compatibility, field of view, glass clarity, vibration resistance, compliance fit, and part replaceability — with price checked last so the ranking reflects function, not just the cheapest tag.
If your cage tube isn't between 1.6" and 2", check fitment before you buy — a clamp mount that's slightly loose vibrates loose in the first hard whoop section.
Which mirror should you choose?
Going on a street-legal build or just want the widest coverage available in 2026, the Cuero UTE Side Mirror is the default pick. Riders who mainly need dual mirrors for a state inspection checklist without extra features get more value from the Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror with SPOT Mirror pair at $41.99. If you already own a mirror and just cracked the glass, buy the matching replacement lens instead of a whole new unit — that's the $6.99 or $39.95 fix, not the $175 one.
Riders finishing out a full street-legal kit on a UTV should also check the best UTV side by side accessories for new owners guide — mirrors are one line item on a longer checklist that includes horns, signals, and seat belts.
Windshield glass matters just as much as mirrors for visibility on enclosed rigs — the Can-Am Commander and Maverick Trail Sport windshield glass is worth checking if yours is scratched or cracked from trail debris.
FAQ
What's the best mirror for side by side visibility in 2026?
The Cuero UTE Side Mirror is the best overall pick for 2026 at $174.99 thanks to its wider field of view and adjustable lighting. Riders who just need dual coverage for state inspection get more value from the $41.99 Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror with SPOT Mirror pair.
Do UTVs need mirrors to be street legal?
Most states that allow UTV street registration require two exterior rearview mirrors as part of the equipment checklist. Check your specific state's requirements before final inspection, since exact rules vary.
What size roll cage tube do UTV mirror mounts fit?
Most clamp-style UTV mirror mounts, including the Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror pair, fit roll cage tubing between 1.6 inches and 2 inches in diameter. Measure your cage tube before ordering to confirm fit.
Is a bung mount better than a clamp mount for UTV mirrors?
A bung mount like the Cuero Pro Side Mirror Bung Mounts eliminates clamp scarring and holds more rigid over time, but it requires drilling or welding for a permanent install. Clamp mounts install faster and remove easier if you swap mirrors later.
Can I just replace the mirror glass instead of the whole mirror?
Yes, if the housing and mount are undamaged, replacement glass like the $6.99 Cuero lens or the $39.95 Assault Industries lens restores clarity without buying a new mirror assembly. This only works if the replacement glass matches your existing housing brand.
How much do UTV side mirrors cost?
UTV side mirrors on this list range from $6.99 for replacement glass only up to $174.99 for a full wide-view mirror set with adjustable lighting. Mounts and glass sold separately generally cost less than a complete mirror assembly.
Do spot mirrors actually help with blind spots on a UTV?
Yes, a built-in spot mirror like the one on the Offroad Rear View/Side Mirror pair adds a second viewing angle that covers the passenger-side blind spot standard flat mirrors miss. It's one of the cheapest ways to add coverage without buying a second full mirror.
What's the difference between clamp mounts and bung mounts for UTV mirrors?
Clamp mounts tighten around the roll cage tube and can loosen or scratch powder coat over a season of trail use. Bung mounts bolt or weld in permanently, which holds more rigid but isn't as quick to remove.
One last thing
A mirror that passes inspection today can still fog or vibrate loose on the next dune trip — pair it with a padded windshield cover between rides to keep the glass in front of your mirrors from pitting out early, and check mirror bolts along with harness hardware before every trail day, not just before registration season.