Backup cameras are by far one of the best safety inventions cars have ever seen, but what’s so great about them?

It’s not everyday we see a tech feature in a vehicle become legally required throughout the United States, but backup cameras have been proven to save lives. Let’s make sure your dream vehicle includes it.

If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a CPST, mom of almost four, and a car lover in general, I want to help you find the best family vehicle without over or under buying. Let’s break down everything you need to know about family cars with a backup camera.

What Is A Backup Camera?

A backup camera, also known as a rearview camera or reversing camera, is a safety feature installed in vehicles to help drivers while reversing. It consists of a small camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle, usually near the license plate or trunk, that captures live video footage of the area behind the vehicle. This footage is displayed on a screen inside the vehicle on your infotainment system.

The purpose of a backup camera is to provide drivers with a clear view of obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles that may be in their blind spot while reversing. Although it’s so simple, the backup camera has prevented endless accidents and collisions.

What Cars Have A Backup Camera?

Backup cameras have been a big topic in the car market for over a decade, but it took some time for them to become standard across every vehicle in the United States.

In 2012, about half of all new vehicles came with backup cameras. The same way we freak out about autonomous driving now, everyone was thrilled to get a car with a backup camera these days.

On March 31, 2014, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that starting May 2018, all vehicles sold in the United States must be equipped with backup cameras as a law. What does this mean? To keep it simple, every vehicle made after May 2018 is guaranteed to have a backup camera.

I’m shopping the used car market… will these cars still have a backup camera?

Yes. Although the law to standardize backup cameras didn’t come into effect until 2018, manufacturers started bringing them out years before to stay ahead of the competition. I’ve seen some excellent family options from 2014-2016 that have a backup camera, plus a lot of other excellent safety features.

If you’re looking to shop the used car market (which I HIGHLY recommend) and find a great family vehicle at a reasonable price, check out my blog on the Best Family Cars for Under $400 a Month.

Other Family Vehicle Features To Consider

A backup camera is one of the best safety features to come to cars in the past few decades, but there are a lot of other features to consider as well. Now that it legally comes standard, manufacturers are coming up with new ways to beat the competition and make the best family vehicle. I’m so excited to see what the next latest and greatest piece of tech will be.

Here are some of my favorite family vehicle features to consider:

Backup Cameras Do Not Replace The Driver

I know the backup camera and all the other cool tech I talk about makes driving so simple, but nothing replaces a person’s quick thinking. For the backup camera specifically, you still have to look behind your shoulder to check for oncoming traffic and be aware of your surroundings.

I’ve heard one too many sad stories about relying 100% on technology and suffering the consequences because of it.

These innovations are met to help you as the driver, not replace you (quite yet).

Best Vehicles To Consider For Teens & Families

If you’re looking into family vehicles with a backup camera, I’m guessing you’re also interested in top vehicles as a parent or for your teen driver. I’ve got you covered.

For families specifically, I’ve tested almost every SUV out there for safety, space, car seat capabilities, etc… While I can say features like the backup camera make a lot of cars great, here is a list of the Best Cars For Families.

I know a lot of new drivers especially feel like they’re invincible on the road with all these safety features, so here is a post dedicated specifically to the Best Cars for Teens. Each of these vehicles are safe, easy to drive, and inexpensive. Exactly what you want to put a teenager in.