NHTSA to require backup cameras on all vehicles

Typical Backup Camera

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a proposed regulation Monday requiring all light vehicles– including cars, SUVs, trucks and vans — to have "rear-view visibility systems," in effect, requiring backup cameras.

The rule applies to all vehicles with a gross weight rating up to 10,000 pounds — from the smallest subcompact to commercial vans. It begins phasing in 10% of vehicles after May 1, 2016 models, 40% a year later and 100% in May 2018.

The rule follows an outcry from consumer groups and families that have been touched by tragedies involving back-over accidents, especially those involving children in parking lots. They had been pushing hard against delays in implementing tougher standards. NHTSA says it has been listening.

"We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable victims of back-over accidents—our children and seniors," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement. "As a father, I can only imagine how heart wrenching these types of accidents can be for families, but we hope that today's rule will serve as a significant step toward reducing these tragic accidents."

Under the new rule, all vehicles will have to come equipped with the ability for the driver to see a 10-foot by 20-foot zone directly behind the vehicle. There are also requirements involving image size and other factors that pretty much ensure that rear-view cameras are the only solution that will work.