How do I turn off my Toyota BSM?
The Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM) in Toyota vehicles can usually be disabled either with a dedicated button or through the vehicle’s driver-assist settings. Exact steps depend on your model and year, so consult your owner’s manual if you can’t locate the option.
What BSM does and why you might turn it off
BSM uses sensors to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and warns you with dash or mirror indicators when a lane change could be unsafe. Some drivers turn it off in certain situations, such as when driving in crowded or obstructed environments where false alerts are common, or when parking in tight spaces. However, turning BSM off reduces awareness of nearby vehicles and can increase risk during lane changes.
Common ways to disable BSM
Below is a general guide to the two most common methods. The exact path can vary by model and year, so if you don’t see these options, check the owner’s manual or your dealership.
- Use the physical BSM switch: Look for a small button or switch labeled “BSM” or “BSM OFF” on the lower left area of the dashboard or near the steering wheel. Press the button once to turn BSM off; press it again to re-enable. A corresponding indicator on the dashboard or mirror will typically disappear when BSM is off and reappear when it’s on.
- Toggle via the vehicle’s settings menu: If your model doesn’t have a dedicated button, you can disable BSM through the touchscreen. From the home screen, navigate to Settings (or Safety/Driver Assist) > Blind Spot Monitor (or Blind Spot) and switch it Off. The exact menu names vary by model year, so look for terms like Driver Assist, Safety, Lane Change Assist, or Blind Spot Monitor.
In some Toyota models, you can also find a secondary toggle for related features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) within the same Driver Assist or Safety menus. If you disable BSM, be aware that some cars may reactivate it after a cold start or under certain driving conditions.
Model-specific guidance
Toyota Camry (recent model years)
On many Camry models, the BSM OFF button is located on the left side of the steering column, near other controls. Press it to disable BSM; press again to re-enable. If there’s no physical button, use the touchscreen path: Settings > Vehicle > Driver Assist > Blind Spot Monitor, and toggle Off. The indicator light in the side mirror or instrument cluster will reflect the current state.
Toyota RAV4 (recent model years)
RAV4 models often place the BSM control in the same general area as other driver-assist toggles. Look for a BSM OFF button on the lower left dash or near the steering wheel. If you prefer the display route, go to Settings or Vehicle > Driver Assist > Blind Spot Monitor and switch Off. Re-enable the feature the same way.
Toyota Corolla (recent model years)
Corolla vehicles typically provide a BSM OFF option either as a physical button on the dash or via the infotainment settings. Check for a button labeled BSM or Blind Spot, or navigate through Settings > Vehicle > Driver Assist > Blind Spot Monitor to turn it off. As with other models, a reactivation may require a manual toggle.
Safety considerations
Disabling BSM reduces the vehicle’s awareness of surrounding traffic. Use caution when making lane changes, and consider reactivating BSM as soon as you don’t need it temporarily turned off. If you rely on BSM for daily driving, it’s generally best to keep it enabled unless you have a specific, temporary reason to disable it.
What to do if you can’t turn BSM off
If you cannot locate a BSM control or the system remains active after following these steps, consult the owner’s manual for your exact year and trim, or contact a Toyota dealer for model-specific instructions. Some configurations require software updates to adjust how BSM can be disabled.
Summary
To turn off Toyota BSM, look for a dedicated BSM OFF button or use the Settings menu on the touchscreen to disable Blind Spot Monitor. Steps vary by model and year, so check your manual if needed. Remember that turning off BSM reduces awareness of vehicles in your blind spots, so re-enable it when safe to do so.
