Tech company petitions FMCSA to allow camera systems to replace mirrors on trucks

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Vision Systems North America is petitioning FMCSA to allow its HD camera monitoring system to be used as an alternative to traditional rearview mirrors on trucks.Vision Systems North America is petitioning FMCSA to allow its HD camera monitoring system to be used as an alternative to traditional rearview mirrors on trucks.

Another technology company that manufactures mirrorless rearview camera systems for trucks is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to allow its system to be used on trucks in the United States.

Vision Systems North America (VSNA) is asking FMCSA to allow carriers to operate trucks equipped with its Smart-Vision high-definition camera monitoring system as an alternative to the two rearview mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA granted a similar request late last year to Stoneridge for its MirrorEye system.

VSNA says its Smart-Vision system provides the same functionality and view as traditional mirrors but with high-definition cameras and interior displays. The system consists of multiple digital cameras mounted high on the exterior of trucks, enclosed in aerodynamic packaging to protect the cameras. Each camera presents a high-definition image to the driver through a monitor mounted on each A-pillar in the cab.

The company says its system offers increased field-of-view when compared to conventional mirrors, enhanced vision in inclement weather and low-light conditions and a fail-safe design with independent video processing of multiple camera images.

FMCSA will accept comments on the request for 30 days once it is published in the Federal Register Thursday, Sept. 26. Comments can be made at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0159.