An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light that
provides an advanced notification system to approaching vehicles that the
driver of the vehicle intends to turn or make a lane change. The exterior
mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element and a
positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element
in the housing, and at least one signal light positioned in the housing.
The signal light includes a light source and a light conduiting member
which is adapted to project a pattern of light from the housing and yet
restrict light from extending into the vehicle so that a driver seated in
the vehicle does not directly observe the pattern of light. The light
source may be provided by a light pipe which is optically coupled to a
remote light source located, for example, in the vehicle. Preferably, the
pattern of light extends rearwardly, forwardly, and laterally from the
vehicle. In one form, the light conduiting member includes a light input
surface on one end and at least one light emitting surface for directing
light outwardly from the housing of the exterior mirror assembly. In
another form, the exterior mirror assembly incorporates a signal light
which includes a plurality of reflective surfaces for directing light
forwardly, rearwardly, and laterally from the vehicle but restricts light
from entering into the vehicle and distracting the driver. In yet another
form, the exterior mirror assembly includes a powerfold mirror system
which incorporates a security light in either the folding portion or
non-folding portion of the powerfold mirror system.