Does your Vehicle have a BACKUP CAMERA, and do you USE it?

Question

Since May 1, 2018, all new cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans under 10,000 pounds GVWR in the United States must include a rear visibility system (backup camera) as required under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111.

That's what the law requires, though auto manufacturers started putting backup cameras in some vehicles much earlier, in the 1990s. This was a self-created safety improvement after several children tragically were hit by their parents backing out of the driveway.

Does your vehicle have a backup camera? If so, do you use it?

Please vote in the poll.

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

I installed a backup camera in both vehicles. My main vehicle is my work van, and that's the one where I actually use the backup camera pretty often. The van is a no-window cargo van (just the front windshield and windows in the front doors), so before the backup camera, all I had to see behind me was the side mirrors. Anything in the center of the back was invisible, so now the camera will cover that big blind spot. I mostly only use it for parking, but a couple of times it saved me from hitting something like a garbage can or a metal post that couldn't be seen in the mirrors.

I have the same setup (same head unit and cameras) in my car, but since the car has rear windows, it's more of a "nice to have" than a necessity and I often forget I have it.

Orion84 · Accepted Answer

My car has one, but I never use it.

I grew up before they were even a thing, and never had a problem turning around and looking back through the window before, so why start now?

You get a better field of vision using your own eyes, and turning your own head, than you do with a camera, and I feel like people who do rely on one never use their own senses.

It's meant to be a supplement, in addition to checking with your own eyes, but people get way too comfortable using this handholding technology, and rely solely on it, which is dangerous.

purplepoppy · Accepted Answer

I use both camera and mirror, seeing to the side is just as important. The real question is how do you react when a tiny spider sits on the lens and looks massive on screen.

douride2 · Accepted Answer

Mostly I use my mirrors. But the backup camera is always nice to see right behind the vehicle when it's not covered with snow.

Phoenix98 · Answer

Nope but I also drive a 1991 C/K 1500 Silverado pick up. But even if I did drive a newer vehicle I'm still not putting a camera on my vehicle not only do I not trust it but I have 3 rear facing mirrors and I can turn my head to see behind me.

Also I've driven trucks that do have that rear facing camera and I hate it for me the depth perception is always off whenever I use them and it looks like I'm closer or farther away from something then I actually am and that throws me off. So I just end up turning my head and looking out the rear window or using my the mirrors instead of the camera anyway.

I prefer to use my own eyes because I can actually see how far away something is. And I've never had any trouble using the tried and true tradition method.

I also don't trust any of the crap they put on newer vehicles like the cameras, sensors and the ability they have to remotely turn off your vehicle at any time or the computes in them.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

It does and i do. It has made me rusty at backing up with mirrors alone though. So i practice that from time to time just because i like having the skill.
I try to remember phone numbers too. There are a few that stick, but many more elude me because of the digital rolodex in my phone since… geez i dunno how long.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

I have s 2023 Explorer so it has a camera and it is one of the newer features on a car that i really appreciate.

RandomGirl42 · Answer

My vehicle is older than me and barely has seats and an engine! 🤣

Shiprex · Answer

I just took my car back to Sweden because I had outstayed it's visit in Portugal but that car has a back camera when reversing and I do use it as well as the side mirrors which I've grown up using as well as over the shoulder looks.

OneViewpoint · Answer

All my cars have backup cameras, rear proximity sensors, rear cross traffic alert radar, and rear automatic anti-collision braking. I love the tech.

AMS700CX4u2 · Answer

Avoid Potholes at all cost. My camera sometimes works and sometimes it is upside down. I think it shook the hell out of my wiring harness. Computers is confuzzled.

madhatters4 · Answer

i have a backup cam. i tend to look at it first just to see and then i do the old one arm over behind the passenger head rest and use the old school backup camera... my eyes

ArrowheadSW · Answer

Yes my car is a 2019 and it of course has it. It automatically turns on when the car is in reverse and I definitely use it.

exitseven · Answer

I have one in my truck. I use it because I have a cap on the back and can't see out the back window very good. It also helps when I back up my trailer.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

It might but, as I've never driven it, I'm not sure. It's 15 years old and my neighbor's car, same type as mine, is 16 years old and his has it so, I can only guess mine dies, too.

Alex-Snow · Answer

I'm in college and have an older Subaru that does not have one. I use mirrors and so far so good. My mom's car has one and I like it but still use the mirrors just in case.

888theGreat · Answer

I have basic Truck. Why would I pay $100,000 for a truck to just have back up camera? All I want is roll up windows, basic radio, AC and runs. I drive it, don;t live in it. People want houses on 4 wheels then complain how high it costs.

msc545 · Answer

Absolutely, yes. It's a great feature, and I make use of it every time I back that car up. I also make use of blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, which are great safety features for me, and I think probably for everybody.

queenofcardio · Answer

Yes, it has a camera. I use it all the time

Simslover92 · Answer

Yes it does and I use it all the time. I can't backup for shit lol

Nikki1989 · Answer

It is there, but I rarely look at it.

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

My vehicule was made in 2002, it doesn't have a back camera, nor have i thought of placing one, i rely on side mirrors...

Redstang88 · Answer

Car doesn’t, truck has one but it doesn’t work never used it anyway

AngryCarl3 · Answer

Sure, I use it when I'm reversing. It's a great benefit.

dudeinohio · Answer

Yes. Use it in addition to looking around to make sure the area is safe.

NathanDavis · Answer

nope, and nope... I don't even have a car but when I get one... I'll probably have cameras installed, yes

Jeff51 · Answer

I still look behind me when backing up. Indint trust them 100%

Bbroabc123 · Answer

In my opinion I feel like backup cams create reliance and don't allow growth as a driver, what if it goes out what happens then.

Anonymous · Answer

Nope and nope How sad :(  All you luckier non poor folk 😅🚗

BCRanger10 · Answer

It does. I'd say it's about half and half.

Natasha1995 · Answer

No. What are rear view mirrors for?

loveslongnails · Answer

It does, and I do. It's very helpful.

Massageman · Answer

It does and I do.

Brady · Answer

YES - my vehicle HAS a backup camera and I USE it

AgentG111 · Answer

Nope, don't want one.

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