What year did cars get backup cameras?
In the United States, backup cameras became mandatory on new vehicles beginning with the 2018 model year, under the FMVSS 111 rear-visibility standard.
The rule was finalized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in May 2014, with compliance phased in through 2018. It requires a rearview camera and an in-vehicle display to provide a view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing, applying to most passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs and vans with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. Some vehicles offered cameras earlier as options, and other countries have followed with their own timelines.
Regulatory timeline and scope
Key points about the rule and what it covers:
- Applies to new light-duty vehicles with GVWR ≤ 10,000 pounds, including passenger cars, SUVs, vans and pickup trucks.
- Requires a rearview camera and a display inside the cabin that shows the area behind the vehicle when the transmission is in reverse.
- Effective for the 2018 model year, meaning new vehicles sold from 2018 onward must include the feature.
- Manufacturers could fulfill the requirement with standard rear visibility cameras and displays; some models offered cameras earlier as options, but the mandate standardized the feature across most new light vehicles.
- Vehicles with GVWR over 10,000 pounds are exempt from the rule.
In summary, the 2018 model year marks the turning point for U.S. consumers in terms of standard backup camera availability on new cars, SUVs and light trucks.
Summary
Bottom line: The United States enacted a federal requirement for rearview backup cameras on most new light-duty vehicles, with full compliance for model year 2018 and later. The rule aimed to reduce backover injuries by ensuring drivers have a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle when reversing, and it standardized the feature across eligible new vehicles while leaving exemptions for heavier trucks and vans. As a result, today’s new cars almost universally include a rear-facing camera, and aftermarket options exist for older models seeking an upgrade.
What year did Toyota start having backup cameras?
Toyota first put a backup camera in a production car in 1991 with the Toyota Soarer, which was sold in Japan. This was the first mass-produced vehicle to feature the technology, though it would take several more years for the feature to be introduced in the U.S. market.
- 1991: The Toyota Soarer was the first production car with a backup camera, available only in Japan.
- 2002: Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand, was the first automaker to offer a backup camera in the U.S. market on the 2002 Q45 sedan.
- 2018: Backup cameras became a standard, mandatory feature in all new passenger vehicles in the United States.
What year were cars required to have backup cameras?
Cars in the United States have been required to have backup cameras since May 1, 2018. This mandate applies to all new vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds and was established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reduce backover accidents.
- The rule: The NHTSA issued a final rule in 2014 that all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds must have rear-view visibility technology by May 1, 2018.
- The legislation: This rule was a result of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007, which aimed to improve rear visibility to prevent tragic accidents.
- Impact: As a result, all new cars sold in the U.S. since that date come standard with a backup camera, regardless of their price point.
When did backup cameras become common?
Backup cameras became common in the early 2000s as they became more available on luxury cars, with their popularity increasing as they were adopted by mainstream vehicles. They became a mandated standard on all new light vehicles in the United States on May 1, 2018, making them ubiquitous on all new cars since that date.
Timeline of becoming common
- Early 2000s: Backup cameras first appeared in U.S. passenger vehicles, but were limited to luxury models like the 2002 Infiniti Q45.
- Mid-2000s to early 2010s: The technology became more widespread as manufacturers started offering them as optional or standard features in a wider range of vehicles, including larger SUVs and minivans.
- Around 2012: Approximately half of new cars sold in the U.S. included a backup camera, either as a standard or optional feature.
- May 1, 2018: A rule enacted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) took effect, requiring all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds to have a rear backup camera as standard equipment.
Do all 2015 cars have backup cameras?
Yes, many 2015 cars have backup cameras, and some automakers made them standard across their entire 2015 lineups, while others offered them as an option or on higher trim levels. While a federal mandate for all new vehicles to have a backup camera didn't go into effect until May 1, 2018, many manufacturers began including them before the 2018 deadline.
This video demonstrates the backup camera features on a 2015 Honda vehicle lineup: 48sTampa HondaYouTube · Jun 25, 2015
- Standard on some brands: Automakers like Acura, Buick, Honda, and Infiniti made backup cameras standard on every 2015 model.
- Available on other models: For many other brands, including Ford, Nissan, and Toyota, backup cameras were standard on some models or trim levels but not all. For example, the 2015 Hyundai Elantra offered the camera as an option on most trims.
- Federal mandate: The requirement for all new light vehicles to be equipped with a backup camera did not go into effect until May 1, 2018.
To check if a specific 2015 car has a backup camera, you can:
- Look for the camera lens, usually located near the trunk handle or license plate, on the back of the car.
- Check the vehicle's original window sticker or owner's manual.
- Contact the dealership or check the vehicle's build sheet.
