Rules You Should Know about Installing a Reversing Camera
Installing a reversing camera is a simple yet effective way to improve the safety features of your car. With this electronic device, you can avoid reversing into objects or pedestrians because you have a better view of what's behind your vehicle. However, some people might be reluctant to purchase this device, thinking there might be certain restrictions on its installation.
But to set the records straight, there is no law or legislation prohibiting the installation of reversing cameras in vehicles. There are no laws mandating or supporting it either. This basically means that the decision to get such a device is up to you. This also means that there are no specific rules that you must follow regarding the proper installation, fitment, and placement of a reversing camera in Australia in your car, unlike in the case of LED light bars and driving lights.
Still, if you are considering installing a camera system in your vehicle, there are certain safety measures you must follow depending on your location. Here are some of them:
Monitor placement
A reverse camera kit is usually composed of a monitor and the camera itself. While it is true that there are no specific rules about the placement of reversing cameras per se, there are still rules to be followed when it comes to the placement of the monitor.
In South Australia and New South Wales, visual display units or monitors are not allowed to be installed in a vehicle in such a way that any part of the image on the screen is visible to the driver from the normal driving position. However, it is exempted from the rule if the monitor is used as a driver's aid, as in the case of a reversing camera system.
When it comes to placement, the monitor should be securely mounted in a position that:
Does not obscure the driver’s view of the road; and
Does not impede the movement of a person in the vehicle.
External and interior mirrors
Some people probably think that just because they have a reversing camera, they can do away with the side and interior mirrors of their car. However, the law dictates that you should keep them even if your car has been equipped with a camera. And if you're replacing your original rear view mirror with a mirror monitor, make sure that you remember this provision on rear vision mirrors from the Australian Design Rules:
"The field of vision shall be such that the driver can see at least a 20m wide, flat, horizontal portion of the road centred on the vertical longitudinal median plane of the vehicle and extending from 60m behind the driver's ocular points to the horizon."
Aside from checking out reversing camera review, make sure to refer to the Australian Design Rules before adding a camera or any accessory to your car. This to ensure that you are not breaking laws and putting yourself in trouble.