Backup Cameras Became Mandatory 8 Years Ago – What Safety Tech Is Coming Next?

Bottom Line Up Front

Since May 2018 every new U.S. car has a rear‑view camera, and regulators are already eyeing the next wave of mandatory safety tech.

Regulatory Design & Looks

The camera rule was part of the NHTSA “Vision Zero” push. It didn’t change how a car looks much, but it forced manufacturers to redesign trunks, rear bumpers and infotainment screens to display a clear video feed.

• Most brands hid the camera behind the license‑plate area to keep the exterior clean.
• Screen layouts were updated so the camera view appears automatically when you shift into reverse.
• Design teams now consider camera placement as early as the concept stage.

Potential Performance & Mileage Tech

What could be next? Safety regulators tend to target features that save lives without hurting fuel efficiency. Here are the top candidates:

• Front‑Facing Collision‑Avoidance Cameras – similar to the backup cam but looking forward to detect pedestrians.
• Side‑Blind‑Spot Imaging – real‑time video of the zones beside the car, helping during lane changes.
• Night Vision with Infrared Sensors – adds a thermal overlay to the camera feed, useful in low‑light conditions.

All of these can run on the same hardware that powers today’s backup cameras, so they won’t add a noticeable weight penalty or drag that would hurt mileage.

Cost Implications & Rivals

Adding more cameras means a modest price bump, but the savings come from fewer crashes. Insurance groups already offer discounts for cars equipped with advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS).

• Average cost increase: $150‑$300 per additional camera.
• Potential insurance savings: up to 10% for qualified drivers.
• Competitors are racing to bundle these features, so early adopters may enjoy a price‑lead advantage.

Quick Reference Table

Engine	Mileage	Price	Top Features
2.0 L Turbo	30 mpg combined	$28,000	Rear‑view camera, Front‑collision camera (planned), Blind‑spot video

FAQ

• What safety feature became mandatory in the U.S. in 2018? Rear‑view cameras are required on every new passenger vehicle sold after May 2018.
• Which technology is most likely to be the next regulation? Front‑facing collision‑avoidance cameras are the leading candidate because they can prevent the most common pedestrian crashes.
• Will adding more cameras raise the price of a new car? Yes, but the increase is usually under $300 per camera, and insurance discounts often offset the cost.

What do you think the next safety rule will be? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Read Official News