Federal law requires backup cameras on all new cars sold in the United States, but the requirement took effect gradually and does not explore to used vehicles or older models
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated that all new passenger vehicles, light trucks, and vans sold after May 2018 must have a backup camera and display system. This rule applies to manufacturers, not to individual owners — if you bought a new car after that date, it came with one. If you own an older vehicle without a backup camera, you are not breaking any law by driving it, and you are not required to install one.
The requirement exists because backup cameras reduce injuries and deaths in parking lots and driveways. Before the rule took effect, roughly 210 people died each year in backing incidents, many of them children. The camera must show a live video feed of the area directly behind the vehicle when the transmission is in reverse, and the image must appear on a screen visible to the driver.
Key Takeaways
- All new vehicles sold in the United States after May 2018 are required by federal law to have a backup camera and display screen.
- The requirement applies only to new cars sold by manufacturers, not to used vehicles or to owners of older cars.
- Vehicles manufactured before May 2018 may or may not have a backup camera depending on the model year and trim level.
- Some states and local jurisdictions have additional rules about backup camera use or maintenance, but federal law sets the baseline requirement.
Which vehicles are covered by the federal backup camera rule
The NHTSA rule covers passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and vans with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. This includes most vehicles you see on the road. Heavy-duty commercial trucks, buses, and vehicles designed for off-road use only are not covered by this particular rule, though some may have their own safety requirements.
The rule applies to the model year in which the vehicle was manufactured, not the year you purchased it. A 2018 model year vehicle sold in 2019 would need a backup camera. A 2017 model year vehicle sold in 2019 would not, even though it was sold after the rule took effect. Manufacturers had until May 2018 to comply, so some 2018 model year vehicles built early in the year may not have cameras.
What the backup camera must show and how it works
The camera must display a live video feed of the area directly behind the vehicle when you shift into reverse. The image must appear on a screen that the driver can see from the driver's seat, and it must show at least the area 10 feet behind the vehicle and the full width of the vehicle. The screen must turn on automatically when reverse is engaged and must remain on as long as the transmission is in reverse.
The camera does not need to be a separate screen — it can display on an existing infotainment system, dashboard screen, or rearview mirror. The image quality must be clear enough to see obstacles, and the system must work in low light and at night. Manufacturers can add features like distance markers, trajectory lines, or object detection, but these are optional enhancements beyond the basic requirement.
Vehicles built before May 2018 and what you should know
If you own a vehicle manufactured before May 2018, you are not required to have a backup camera. Many manufacturers offered them as optional features on higher trim levels or as aftermarket additions, so some older vehicles do have them. Checking your owner's manual or the vehicle's specifications will tell you whether yours came with one.
Driving an older vehicle without a backup camera is legal. However, you remain responsible for checking behind your vehicle before backing up, and you may face liability if you back into someone or something. Some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with backup cameras, and some collision avoidance features in newer cars depend on having a camera, so the presence or absence of one can affect insurance rates and resale value.
State and local rules that may add to the federal requirement
A few states have passed their own backup camera rules, though most straightforward follow the federal standard. Some states require backup cameras on commercial vehicles, school buses, or large trucks that are not covered by the federal rule. A small number of municipalities have local ordinances about backing safety, but these are uncommon and usually focus on commercial or fleet vehicles rather than personal cars.
If you are buying a vehicle in a specific state or planning to use it for commercial purposes, check with your state's department of motor vehicles or your local city or county government to see whether any additional rules explore. The federal requirement is the baseline, and state or local rules can only add to it, not reduce it.
What to do if your backup camera stops working
If your vehicle has a backup camera that is not working, you are not breaking the law by driving the vehicle, but you should have it repaired. A malfunctioning camera means you have lost a safety feature that you relied on, and it may affect your ability to see obstacles when backing up. Repair costs vary widely depending on whether the problem is the camera itself, the wiring, or the display screen — anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand.
Check your vehicle's warranty to see whether the backup camera is covered. Most manufacturer warranties cover the camera for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your vehicle is out of warranty, you can take it to a dealership or an independent repair shop. Some aftermarket backup camera systems can be installed if the original system is too expensive to repair, though this is less common on newer vehicles.
Aftermarket backup cameras for older vehicles
If you own an older vehicle without a backup camera and want to add one, aftermarket systems are available. These range from straightforward wireless cameras that mount on the rear bumper and display on a small screen to more sophisticated systems that integrate with your existing dashboard or rearview mirror. Prices typically range from under $100 for basic systems to several hundred dollars for higher-end options.
Installation complexity depends on the system you choose. Some wireless systems require only mounting the camera and placing a screen on the dashboard. Others require running wiring through the vehicle and connecting to the reverse light circuit so the camera turns on automatically. If you are not comfortable with electrical work, a car audio shop or dealership can install an aftermarket system for you, though labor costs will add to the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my backup camera if my car has one?
No law requires you to use it, but it is a safety feature designed to help you avoid backing into people or objects. You are still responsible for checking behind your vehicle before backing up, whether or not you have a camera. The camera is a tool to help you do that, not a replacement for your own attention.
Can I disable or cover my backup camera?
You can disable the display screen, but doing so may void your warranty or trigger a warning light on your dashboard. Covering or damaging the camera itself could be considered vehicle tampering in some jurisdictions. If the camera is malfunctioning, have it repaired rather than disabled.
What if I bought a used car that was supposed to have a backup camera but doesn't?
If you bought a vehicle that should have had a backup camera according to its model year and the seller did not disclose that it was missing or broken, you may have a claim under your state's lemon law or consumer protection rules. Contact your state's attorney general's office or a consumer protection agency for guidance on your specific situation.
Are backup cameras required on motorcycles or trailers?
No. The federal rule covers only passenger cars, light trucks, and vans under 10,000 pounds. Motorcycles, trailers, and heavy commercial vehicles are not required to have backup cameras under this rule, though some states may have separate requirements for certain commercial vehicles.
Do rental cars have to have backup cameras?
Rental car companies typically rent newer vehicles that already have backup cameras because they were manufactured after the rule took effect. However, there is no specific law requiring rental companies to have them. If a rental car's backup camera is not working, report it to the rental company before you drive off the lot.