GoKawiilUS and EU mandates cover backup cameras, not continuous rearview cameras
Backup cameras activate only when a vehicle shifts into reverse, giving a wide-angle view behind the car to help with parking and avoiding obstacles. Since May 2018 the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has required these on new vehicles, with a similar EU rule starting in 2022. Rearview cameras, by contrast, run continuously and use a narrower lens closer to normal vision, and are not required by either mandate.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The distinction matters for buyers who assume all camera systems are federally mandated and equally regulated, since only reverse-activated cameras fall under current safety law. Automakers can choose whether to include always-on rearview cameras, meaning that feature may vary significantly between models and trims. Consumers wanting continuous rear visibility may need to seek it out specifically or install it aftermarket.
- Backup cameras are legally required on US vehicles from model year 2018 onward and in the EU since 2022.
- Rearview cameras offer a continuous feed and narrower field of view but are not mandated by law.
- Backup cameras use wide-angle 150-180 degree lenses, while rearview cameras mimic standard human vision.
AUTO-VOX Wireless Backup Camera Kit — If your vehicle predates the 2018 backup camera mandate, this wireless kit is an easy way to add that extra layer of safety and parking confidence without a full dashboard overhaul. It pairs a rear-mounted camera with a dash monitor, giving you the same wide-angle rear visibility described in the article. Great for avoiding obstacles, pets, and tight parking spots.
See AUTO-VOX Wireless Backup Camera Kit on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Kari Paul, 2026-10-13
Published there as: “What is the difference between a rearview and a backup camera?”
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