Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a reflective element having a heater and a breakaway joint assembly having stationary member and a pivoting member that comprises a bracket supporting an electrically-operable actuator for positioning the reflective element about at least one axis. The exterior mirror assembly comprises a ground illumination or a signal light. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes carrying vehicle control signals and electrical power.