Are backup cameras required on new vehicles?

Are all new cars required to have a backup camera? 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 by law 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.

Backup Camera Auto Insurance Discounts

The short answer is no, you can’t find cheap car insurance with a backup camera. 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.

Can You Install a Backup Camera on a Car

Can you add a backup camera to a car that doesn’t have one? Are cars required to have backup cameras installed if they do 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 install a rear view camera in your car if you’d like.

Backup camera installation 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 should know that backup cameras can be installed on older cars for a decent price. Just look for a car backup camera installation near you and you’d be fine.

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 Camera for Your Car That Meets Backup Camera Legal Requirements

For those wanting to add a backup camera to their car, 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 back up camera for your vehicle.

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 Mandatory Backup Cameras

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.