Are Backup Cameras Required? The U.S. Rule Explained
JupiterVehicles is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Yes, for new vehicles. In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires rear visibility technology, in practice a backup camera, on new vehicles under 10,000 pounds built on or after May 1, 2018. But the rule applies to vehicle manufacturers, not to drivers of older cars. Here’s what that means.
Table of Contents
What the Rule Says
In its final rule announcement, the U.S. Department of Transportation said NHTSA requires all vehicles under 10,000 pounds, including buses and trucks, manufactured on or after May 1, 2018, to come equipped with rear visibility technology that expands the driver’s view behind the vehicle. The goal is to reduce deaths and injuries from backover crashes.
Why It Was Introduced
The same announcement cites an average of 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries per year caused by backover crashes. NHTSA found that children under 5 account for 31 percent of backover fatalities each year, and adults 70 and older account for 26 percent.
Who It Applies To
| Situation | Backup camera required? |
|---|---|
| New car, SUV, pickup or van under 10,000 lbs built on or after May 1, 2018 | Yes, by the manufacturer |
| Vehicles built before May 1, 2018 | No federal requirement to add one |
| Used car you’re buying | Only if it was built after the cutoff, since the camera came factory-installed |
| Heavy vehicles over 10,000 lbs | Not covered by this rule |
Do I Have to Add a Backup Camera to My Older Car?
No. The rule covers how vehicles are built, not what owners must retrofit. You can legally drive a pre-2018 car without one. Still, adding a camera is inexpensive and can make backing up much safer, especially around kids, pets and tight parking spots.
Does a Broken Factory Backup Camera Need Fixing?
Federal rules focus on manufacturing, and inspection rules vary by state. Even where it isn’t checked, a working camera is worth repairing for safety and resale value. Check your state’s inspection requirements if you’re unsure.
Adding a Camera to an Older Car
Aftermarket backup cameras range from wired kits with their own monitor to no-wiring solar and magnetic cameras. See our picks for the best backup camera.
- Easy to Install: The backup camera for car takes only 25 minutes from start to finish installation, just 2 steps: ① First connect the camera and monitor through the 4-pin video power cable made of 3.0MM pure copper that comes with the camera. ② Then plug the backup camera system into the cigarette lighter, manual switch, plug and play. Or you can also connect it to the reversing lights only as a reversing use, automatically triggering the reversing image when reversing
- Stable Signal Transmission: The LeeKooLuu backup camera is superior in signal stability compared to other backup camera kit. It will automatically minimize energy loss during transmission, not only will there be no signal delays, interference, fluctuations or intermittent problems, but also realize the transmission of real-time data, providing you with clear picture and works great HD 1080P color images at all times, to ensure safer driving
- All-Weather Defender: The backup camera for truck housing is made of ABS-TC material and utilizes the latest nano-coating sealing technology with IP69 level waterproof performance, which is able to work reliably and perfectly to provide a crystal clear picture in extreme environments from -22°F to 176°F. It is like a brave guardian, not eroded by any water or fine particles, tenaciously resisting the baptism of wind/rain/dust/high and low temperatures, enhancing the safety index and service life
- Ultra HD Picture: This back up cameras integrate advanced optical anti-shake technology and the high-performance SC1346 color image sensor chip to counteract vibrations and eliminate motion blur on uneven roads. The intelligent stabilization ensures a great picture and very clear video in real time, so you can easily spot obstacles, pedestrians, and parking lines even on bumpy terrain. With this reliable rearview feed, reversing becomes safer and more precise, giving you peace of mind every time
- Adjustable Monitor, Easy to See: The backup camera with monitor is universally compatible with most vehicles, including cars, trucks, trailers, vans, SUVs, campers, and more. It effectively eliminates blind spots on your vehicle, enhancing safety. Additionally, you can adjust various settings such as brightness, contrast, and image flip to optimize the viewing experience for different lighting conditions and personal preferences
Frequently Asked Questions
When did backup cameras become mandatory?
For new U.S. vehicles under 10,000 pounds manufactured on or after May 1, 2018.
Are backup cameras required on trucks?
Yes for trucks under 10,000 pounds built on or after May 1, 2018. Heavier trucks aren’t covered by this rule.
Can I get a ticket for not having a backup camera?
Not for an older car built before the requirement. The rule applies to manufacturers.
Does the rule require a camera specifically?
The rule requires rear visibility technology that meets specific field-of-view standards. Automakers meet it with backup cameras.
The Bottom Line
Backup cameras are required on new U.S. vehicles under 10,000 pounds built on or after May 1, 2018, but owners of older cars don’t have to add one. Given the backover statistics, a low-cost aftermarket camera is still a smart upgrade.
