What Year Did Backup Cameras Become Standard And Why?

What year did backup cameras become standard? Backup cameras for all cars and light trucks became standard in the U.S. in 2018, because of a federal requirement.

Before they got mandatory by law throughout the U.S., they were the optional security equipment for car users and manufacturers. Let’s know why they became standard with some other related topics in this article.

What Year Did Backup Cameras Become Standard

Backup cameras became mandatory on May 01, 2018, in the U.S. for all basic cars and light trucks. The manufacturers are producing new cars with smart features for safety like collision warnings and automatic emergency braking.

But, backup cameras are another legally mandatory safety feature that all new cars and light trucks come with. You can’t ignore this requirement by law and by ethics.

When Did Backup Cameras Introduce & Become Required?

You might be now eager to know: what year was the backup camera introduced? The backup cameras were first introduced in January 1956 on the Buick Centurion car.

General Motors, Motorama was the manufacturer of that car where the backup camera was introduced. They used a rear-mounted TV camera to get images to monitor on the dashboard TV screen rather than a rearview mirror.

After learning the introduced and standardized year of the backup cameras, you can’t leave without knowing what year backup cameras were required.

It gets a considerable delay after the initial proposal of requiring backup cameras on cars by the 2014 model year. The authority makes it formal to have backup cameras on all automobiles and light trucks by 2019.

Why Backup Cameras Became Mandatory

We already know: what year did backup cameras become standard in cars? Now, we’re going to learn the reasons that forced us to make backup cameras compulsory.

It would help if you seriously considered this concern while getting a new car. Here are the reasons why you should get backup cameras in your vehicle:

First Reason – Helps You To Avoid Blind Spots

Your car’s rearview mirror is not always perfect for looking at the backside. Even you can try to look at your back over the shoulder. But, it’ll also not give you a clear view of the right spot; you’ll get a blind spot instead.

According to Consumer Report,

Recent research shows that a backup camera is so important that without this, any vehicle can be considered violating the specific federal motor vehicle safety standards.

People like to believe that a little quick check of the rear is enough for them. And they’ve been for many of us while we can say we’re fortunate. Backup cameras help you avoid this issue and give you a clear rear view to stay away from any unexpected collisions.

Second Reason – Makes Backing Into Parking Areas Simpler 

Some of the most challenging driving capabilities are getting back into parking areas and parking in parallel. But, if your car has a backup camera, you’re all set to avoid potential mess up. This backup camera shows what’s in the back of your vehicle.

Also, it guides you by showing paths with lines according to your car’s width. Those lines give you a view of the available room on both sides and behind your vehicle. As a result, you can easily park and take your car out of the parking spaces.

Third Reason – Helps You When You Get Stuck In Traffic

You might have experience of sticking in traffic or in such a place where you want to get back up. It should be an odd situation that doesn’t have enough room for backing your car.

In such cases, you can overcome the issue with a backup camera in your vehicle. It’ll ensure you back up with safety, showing the rear how much space you get to back your car.

Fourth Reason – Helps to Be Careful About Little One

Regrettably, kids or pets less than 3 feet in height are at more risk as you can’t see them while driving your car. It could be dangerous when you move back without a backup camera.

In this case, backup cameras play a vital role in saving lives by avoiding potential accidents. Enough said these costs are too terrible.

A Helpful Tutorial You May Need!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Did U.S. Cars Require Backup Cameras?

From May 01, 2018, the U.S. authority required backup cameras with all new cars. This legal requirement started in May 2016 and became enforcement on May 01, 2018.

What Year Did Honda Start Putting Backup Cameras In Cars?

Honda decided to make all of its cars with backup cameras in 2013. So, they didn’t make any cars without backup cameras after 2012. Even if you have an older model of Honda, you can install backup cameras with aftermarket parts.

What Is The Difference Between A Backup Camera And A Rearview Camera?

It looks like the backup camera and rearview camera are the same things. Indeed, a backup camera on your car turns on if you keep the car in reverse mode. Besides, you can turn on a rearview camera whenever you want to look at your car’s rear view.

What Was The First Car To Have A Backup Camera?

In 1991, Toyota Soarer Limited first installed a backup camera. It was just available in Japan, and the model of the car was the Lexus SC.

What Year Did Backup Camera Become Mandatory?

Backup cameras became mandatory on May 01, 2018. But, manufacturers like Honda, Buick, Infiniti, and Acura have made backup cameras standard since 2015. Other manufacturers like Ford, Nissan, etc., made it standard before 2018.

Conclusion

As you now know much about the above brief guide: what year did backup cameras become standard? In short, all cars and light trucks in the U.S. have included backup cameras within May 01, 2018.

The backup cameras are not just valuable safety equipment for the kids; they’re vital for everyone to avoid possible collisions.

When you can see the rearview of your vehicle up to the bottom level, it’ll help you to avoid dangerous accidents that may be life-threatening for your kids and someone else.

You Can Also Read:

Similar Posts