Are backup cameras required on new vehicles?
Wondering are backup cameras required on new vehicles? As of May 2018, all manufacturers in the U.S. are required to put a reversing camera on new vehicles. Some insurance companies will actually give you a safety feature discount if your car has a backup camera, as these cameras help save lives.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 7, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 7, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- All vehicles in the United States are required to have backup cameras installed as of 2018
- There are currently no insurance discounts for having backup cameras installed
- It’s predicted that backup cameras save dozens of lives every year, especially those of children and seniors
Are backup cameras required on new vehicles? Yes, beginning May 1, 2018, all new cars sold in the U.S. must be cars with backup cameras. Because cars have blind spots where the rearview mirrors can’t see, having backup cameras required adds a layer of protection that ensures you have a full view of your surroundings.
There are many positive benefits to backup cameras, including the potential for auto insurance discounts. If you’re in the market for a new car, read on to learn more about backup camera laws and how they affect you. Then, you can shop around for the best new car insurance rates using our free quote comparison tool.
Backup Cameras are Required for New Vehicles
The backup camera law went into effect in May 2018 and requires that every new vehicle has a backup camera and video display. This means that even cars with the lowest auto insurance premiums are now required to have backup cameras.
Learn more: Which cars have the lowest auto insurance premiums?
The goal of making backup cameras mandatory is to save the lives of children and seniors in particular.
Some have criticized the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for not acting sooner, but now that there are backup cameras required by law, there should be far fewer fatal accidents related to reversing a vehicle.
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Backup Camera Auto Insurance Discounts
The short answer is no, you won’t. Currently, there are no auto insurance discounts for having a backup camera.
However, you might earn a safety features discount if you have a backup camera because, technically, it does make your car safer, which some companies reward with a discount.
The same goes for anti-lock brakes. Many insurance companies give a small anti-lock brakes auto insurance discount to them. Cars made after 2012 were legally required to come equipped with anti-lock brake systems, so any newer car will have them as well.
Do I need to install my own backup camera?
Is a backup camera required to be installed on your vehicle if it does not already have one? No, you don’t have to have a backup camera on cars built before the law went into effect. But you can have one installed if you’d like.
Installing a backup camera in a vehicle that doesn’t have one can be an alternative solution to getting a whole new car. If you already own a car that doesn’t have a backup camera, you can have one installed for a decent price.
However, if you’ve purchased your car in the last few years, it should already come equipped with one. If you don’t know how to use it, ask your car dealer or look up a video on YouTube.
Best Backup Cameras to Meet Backup Camera Requirements
For those wanting to add a backup camera to their older vehicle, these cameras are some of the best models on the market:
- Auto-Vox CS2. Rated best overall
- DoHonest S4. Rated best wireless rearview mirror model
- Auto-Vox Solar1
- LeeKooLuu LK3B. Best for a savvy DIYer
- Garmin BC 30. Best for drivers who use a Garmin GPS Navigator
Do some research and figure out which one would be best for your vehicle.
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How Backup Cameras Improve Your Line of Sight
The backup camera on many new model vehicles, such as those on Cadillac models 2015 and higher, can help improve the field of vision by 300% compared to a traditional rear-view mirror.
Also, these cameras can eliminate any obstructions in vision caused by pillars, passengers, or seats that typically cause blind spots for drivers when they’re backing up.
Many backup cameras offer high-definition displays designed to increase the line of sight for rear lanes and maximize visibility at night or in adverse weather conditions. Most modern backup cameras also combine high-definition video with rear automatic braking systems, which helps increase safety even more.
A Final Word About the Backup Camera Requirement
While backup cameras are required on new vehicles, having one won’t get you a discount on your car insurance. However, things change all the time, and comparing quotes can help you save the most money on your car insurance.
Drivers with additional safety features installed on their vehicles, including reversing cameras, should compare auto insurance rates by make and model to get the lowest quotes possible. Use our comparison tool below to get free quotes from local companies near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backup cameras required on new vehicles?
Yes, backup cameras are now required on new vehicles in many countries, including the United States and Canada. This requirement is aimed at improving safety by reducing accidents and preventing injuries or fatalities that can occur when drivers are reversing their vehicles.
Why are backup cameras required?
The requirement for backup cameras is driven by the need to address blind spots and improve rear visibility for drivers. Many accidents occur when drivers unintentionally strike pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles while reversing. Backup cameras provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of such accidents.
When did the requirement for backup cameras on new vehicles come into effect?
In the United States, the requirement for backup cameras on new vehicles was introduced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and became effective on May 1, 2018. However, specific implementation dates and requirements may vary in different countries.
Do all vehicles need to have backup cameras?
The requirement for backup cameras typically applies to new passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. However, it is advisable to check the specific regulations of your country or region to determine if backup cameras are mandatory for all vehicles.
What are the benefits of having backup cameras on vehicles?
The benefits of having backup cameras on vehicles include:
- Increased safety and reduced risk of accidents while reversing.
- Enhanced visibility of blind spots behind the vehicle.
- Improved awareness of pedestrians, objects, and other vehicles in the rear area.
- Prevention of injuries or fatalities caused by backing-up accidents.
- Easier maneuvering in tight spaces or parking lots.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.