Federal law requires backup cameras on all new cars sold in the United States, but the requirement depends on when the vehicle was made

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made backup cameras mandatory on all new passenger vehicles, light trucks, and vans starting May 2018. If you bought a new car after that date, it came with a backup camera as standard equipment. If you own an older vehicle, a backup camera is not legally required, though many vehicles made between 2014 and 2017 had them as optional features.

The rule applies only to new vehicles at the point of sale. Used cars do not have to have a backup camera installed, even if they were made after 2018 and originally came with one. If you are buying a used car and want to know whether it has a backup camera, check the window sticker or owner's manual from when it was new, or ask the dealer or seller directly.

Key Takeaways

  • All new cars sold in the United States since May 2018 must have a backup camera as standard equipment.
  • Older vehicles are not required to have a backup camera, and used cars do not have to retain one even if the original owner had it.
  • The backup camera must display on a screen visible to the driver and show at least a 180-degree view behind the vehicle.
  • If your backup camera stops working, you are not legally required to repair it, but you lose the safety benefit and may have difficulty selling the car later.

Why the federal government required backup cameras

The NHTSA introduced the backup camera rule after studying accidents involving vehicles backing up. The agency found that drivers could not see objects, children, or other vehicles directly behind them, especially in vehicles with limited rear visibility. Backup cameras reduce these blind spots by showing the driver what is behind the car on a screen, typically mounted on the dashboard or infotainment system.

The rule is part of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 (FMVSS 111). It requires that the camera display a live video image of the area behind the vehicle, with a field of view of at least 180 degrees horizontally and at least 20 degrees vertically. The image must appear within two seconds of shifting into reverse and stay on the screen until the driver shifts out of reverse or turns off the engine.

What happens if your backup camera is broken

If your backup camera stops working, you are not legally required to have it repaired. The federal rule applies only to new vehicles at the time they are sold, not to maintaining the camera after purchase. However, a broken backup camera can affect your ability to sell the car, since many buyers expect the feature to work and may negotiate a lower price or walk away from the deal.

Repair costs vary widely depending on the vehicle and the part that failed. A camera lens replacement might cost $200 to $400, while a full camera unit replacement can run $500 to $1,500 or more. If the problem is in the wiring or the display screen, costs can be higher. Get a quote from your dealer or a trusted independent mechanic before deciding whether to repair it.

Backup cameras on used vehicles and older cars

Used cars made before May 2018 may or may not have a backup camera. Many manufacturers offered them as optional features starting around 2014, but they were not standard. If you are shopping for a used car and want a backup camera, ask the seller or dealer whether the specific vehicle has one. Check the window sticker from when it was new, or look at the owner's manual to see what features came with that model year and trim level.

If you own an older car without a backup camera and want to add one, aftermarket systems are available. These typically cost between $300 and $800 installed, depending on the camera quality and whether you need new wiring run through the vehicle. A professional installer can handle the work, though some people with basic electrical knowledge install them themselves. Aftermarket cameras do not have to meet the same FMVSS 111 standards as factory cameras, so quality varies.

How to check if your car has a backup camera

If you own a new car and are not sure whether it has a backup camera, the easiest way to find out is to shift into reverse and look at your dashboard or infotainment screen. If a live video image appears, you have one. If nothing happens, your car either does not have a backup camera or the system is broken.

You can also check your owner's manual or the window sticker from when the car was new. The window sticker lists all standard and optional features. If you bought the car used and do not have the original sticker, the dealer can print a copy from their records, or you can contact the manufacturer with your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm what features came with your specific car.

Backup camera standards and what they cover

The federal standard requires that the backup camera display a clear, live image of the area directly behind the vehicle. The image must show at least 180 degrees horizontally (roughly the full width of the car) and at least 20 degrees vertically (the area from ground level up to about bumper height). The camera must set up automatically when the driver shifts into reverse and must display within two seconds.

The standard does not require the camera to show the sides of the vehicle or the area in front of it. It also does not require the camera to have night vision or any special features beyond a basic live video feed. Some manufacturers add extras like dynamic guidelines (lines that show where the car will go) or multiple camera angles, but these are optional enhancements beyond the federal requirement.

State laws and backup camera rules

No state has passed a law requiring backup cameras on vehicles that do not already have them. The federal requirement is the only legal mandate in the United States. Some states have laws about distracted driving or phone use while driving, but these do not directly address backup cameras.

A few states have passed laws requiring backup cameras on certain commercial vehicles, such as school buses or large trucks, but these are separate from the federal rule for passenger vehicles. If you are driving a commercial vehicle, check with your state's Department of Transportation to see whether additional camera requirements explore to your specific vehicle type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to repair my backup camera if it stops working?

No, you are not legally required to repair a broken backup camera. The federal rule applies only to new vehicles at the time of sale. However, a non-working camera may lower your car's resale value and could make it harder to sell.

Can I install an aftermarket backup camera on an older car?

Yes, aftermarket backup camera systems are available for most vehicles. Installation typically costs $300 to $800 depending on the system quality and labor. Aftermarket cameras do not have to meet federal standards, so research the brand and read reviews before purchasing.

What if my new car's backup camera does not work right out of the lot?

Contact the dealer when ready. A non-functioning backup camera on a new car is a defect covered by the manufacturer's warranty. The dealer should repair or replace it at no cost to you.

Does a backup camera replace the need to look over my shoulder when reversing?

No. A backup camera shows the area directly behind the vehicle but has blind spots on the sides. Always look over your shoulder and check your mirrors before and while backing up, especially in parking lots or near children.

Are there any states where backup cameras are required on used cars?

No state requires backup cameras on used vehicles. The federal requirement applies only to new cars at the time of sale. Used cars do not have to have a backup camera, even if they originally came with one.