Backup cameras to be required on new cars and small trucks

Transport Canada plans to make basic rear-view cameras mandatory on all new cars and small trucks by May 2018.

The new regulations will apply to new light vehicles, including passenger cars, light trucks, three wheelers, and small vans and buses.

“This helps children be seen and provides Canadians with one of the best safety technology systems to reduce back-over collisions,” Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in a statement.

This requirement will match Canadian standards to ones previously mandated in the United States.

“The objective of this proposal is to align the Canadian and United States safety regulations, to provide Canadians with the same level of protection under the law related to back-over crashes offered to residents of the United States and to satisfy vehicle manufacturers’ call to eliminate regulatory differences between Canada and the United States,” Transport Canada said.