Why YSK: Since May 2018, all newly-built cars sold in the United States are required to have a backup camera and video display for the camera. Many car dealers, both used and new, will advertise the backup camera as some kind of added luxury or special option and try to charge you more for it. Don’t bite the bait and understand that it is 100% a legal mandate to have it, like seat belts or air bags.

  • d00phy@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    14
    ·
    1 year ago

    I keep wondering why we have regulations like this, but having headlights come on when the wipers are turned on is still not required.

    • PhantomAudio@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      i recently heard a story about parents that ran over their kid. they did a bunch of petitions to mandate backup cameras. i couldnt quickly find anything to back this up though

  • vraylle@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    10
    ·
    1 year ago

    I always had a complete disdain for all the electronics put into cars. I still do, but after buying my current car I never want a car without a backup camera again. I fully admit I was completely wrong on that.

    • IowaMan@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      I installed a backup camera and dashcam for like a hundred bucks a few years ago. Totally worth it and has captured a couple accidents as well as prevented a few more

  • Larvitar@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    5
    ·
    1 year ago

    When I first used a backup camera in 2015, I immediately felt it should be required due to how easy it is to see if there is a kid or dog behind your car while backing up. I’m glad they actually did make it required! Though my issue with it now is how there doesn’t seem to be a standard resolution, field of view, etc. So some cars have a terrible backup camera, but there’s always turning your head around and looking back there!

    Next they should make front cameras for personal trucks required!

    • wotsit_sandwich@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      1 year ago

      My car stops if it senses it’s going to hit something in reverse (forward too of course but that’s not relevant for this thread)

  • frasassi@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    1 year ago

    Thank god for that. I was just in Italy a few weeks back and rented a brand new Cupra Formentor from Europcar which had no cameras at all. I couldn’t believe it!

  • clawer87@reddthat.com
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    It’s like when I hear Discover card advertise that you’re not responsible for unauthorized purchases. That’s also federal law, not a feature.