Side View Cameras

[chin_k]

After reading about the various thread on backup cameras (e.g., SMan's), I also came across articles on digital side mirrors. Here is one from Toyota:
https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Compan ... -new-model

There is another one from VW EV too, but I don't think it is available in the USA. I am surprised that Tesla has not done it, since they went above and beyond to keep the door handles flushed with the body trying to cut down the drag.

I wonder if there is any regulation that we have to have a optical side mirrors for our rig. If we can replace the side mirror with a digital one, it will great. I can't tell you how many times I hit my head on that mirror in past few years, and I am not even tall. I also took out someone's side mirror with mine. Anyone have any info?

[HoosierB]

I wonder if there is any regulation that we have to have a optical side mirrors for our rig. If we can replace the side mirror with a digital one, it will great. I can't tell you how many times I hit my head on that mirror in past few years, and I am not even tall. I also took out someone's side mirror with mine. Anyone have any info?

Interesting question. The best answer I can find on the subject is that the archaic law is state by state and you still need at least one side view and one rear view mirror to be legal. However, as of the first of this year the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Admin.(FMCSA) approved camera systems only (no mirrors) for use on the big rigs. My guess is laws will catch up to technology and it will be approved for RVs. Keep an eye out on the larger motorhomes come new model time.
It seems if you were pulled over for "missing mirrors", and you have proof of a camera/monitor system installed...it wouldn't be an issue.

[chin_k]

Well, the sheriff/officer only give out the ticket, and I will need to talk to the judge to show that the ticket is mis-issued. I don't want to have to drive back a few thousand miles for that game, so I would like to have the specific citation that my rig can have all digital mirrors.

[SMan]

Looks interesting. On the legal front I would imagine Toyota would have to get approval from the NHTSA before implementing and with most safety items once adopted most states accept NHTSA regulations. I'm sure there are exceptions.

[chin_k]

Read a little more. Correction to the above that the new EV that has the digital side mirror actually is the Honda E, not VW.

The Fed is testing the side view camera at this point... I hope they will find it to be acceptable. Maybe some regulation to make sure the signal does not goes out, and you won't be able to see the sides. Radio is tricky, but if they allow hard-wired version, maybe that is a good first step.

[HoosierB]

Hey chin_k... there's no reason you couldn't create a side view camera/monitor system now. Install the cameras and monitors, still keeping the existing exterior mirrors (for now). You'd be fine tuning the new set up and ahead of the game before all becomes legal. It would be a fun project.

[chin_k]

All language in the regulation is related to optical mirror:

§393.80 Rear-vision mirrors.

(a) Every bus, truck, and truck tractor shall be equipped with two rear-vision mirrors, one at each side, firmly attached to the outside of the motor vehicle, and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear, along both sides of the vehicle. All such regulated rear-vision mirrors and their replacements shall meet, as a minimum, the requirements of FMVSS No. 111 (49 CFR 571.111) in force at the time the vehicle was manufactured.

(b) Exceptions. (1) Mirrors installed on a vehicle manufactured prior to January 1, 1981, may be continued in service, provided that if the mirrors are replaced they shall be replaced with mirrors meeting, as a minimum, the requirements of FMVSS No. 111 (49 CFR 571.111) in force at the time the vehicle was manufactured.

(2) Only one outside mirror shall be required, which shall be on the driver's side, on trucks which are so constructed that the driver has a view to the rear by means of an interior mirror.

(3) In driveway-towaway operations, the driven vehicle shall have at least one mirror furnishing a clear view to the rear.

[48 FR 57139, Dec. 28, 1983]

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveEC ... .5.393_180