There is no denying that having driver-assist features such every bit a backup photographic camera makes your car significantly easier to drive. However, in the case of rearview cameras, these could give you a significant edge during a driving test. Equally a result, the question remains, are they legal to use during a driving test?

As you'd imagine, this isn't a simple case of yes or no. This comes downwards to the elementary fact that various states beyond the U.S. have different stances on the outcome. Nevertheless, as new vehicles offering even 360-degree systems, having a newer automobile has some serious advantages.

Is using a backup camera illegal?

An image of a screen showing a backup camera.
Backup Camera | THE DENVER Mail service/ ANDY CROSS

In curt, it depends. If you're going to accept a driving exam soon, you'll want to look at your local laws before your exam date. According to WFMY News two, yous cant utilize a backup photographic camera during your driving test in the state of Massachusetts. Furthermore, you cant utilise a car that has ane equipped to take your test. Since almost brand-new vehicles come up with these as standard, you'd need an older vehicle for the exam.

On the other manus, some states volition let you lot to utilise a car that has a backup camera equally long every bit it'southward covered upward or ignored. However, it is worth noting that these laws modify as the car industry shifts to comprehend these driver-aid systems.

In the best-instance scenario, you've got a state like Texas. According to Authorities Technology, the state of Texas will allow you to utilize your car'due south backup photographic camera if it has ane equipped. Additionally, you can fifty-fifty utilize your car'southward proximity sensors as well. In curt, anything your car has as standard equipment is fair game during a driving test.

Regardless, information technology is worth reiterating that your local laws may vary.

What about other systems?

An image of a physical backup camera on a car.
Backup Camera | Getty Images

RELATED: A Backup Camera Doesn't Automatically Improve Safe


As mentioned before, modernistic cars accept more than simply a clever backup photographic camera. However, systems such as proximity sensors are far rarer than cameras. This is because these sensors are ofttimes sold equally optional extras, not standard equipment. As you might imagine, this creates a double-edged sword scenario. Since these systems are rarer, there aren't articulate laws banning them similar in that location are for cameras. As a outcome, your state might allow you to utilise them.

During most of your driving test, your backup camera won't even play a major role. However, lane-go on assist systems might. Since near of these driver-help features work in the background, there are much harder to spot than a camera. Additionally, most of these systems include bling-sport monitoring, which drivers tin can't but turn off either. In brusque, having these systems gives test-takers a considerable edge.

This is ane system you lot cannot use in all states

An image of a screen showing a backup camera.
Backup Camera | Getty Images

If your automobile has an advanced backup camera and sensor system, chances are it will offer the power to parallel park automatically. Every bit you lot might imagine, this is a system that can't exist used under whatsoever circumstances.

In case you lot're thinking of using this system sneakily, it is worth noting that it beeps loudly as the car looks for the empty spot. Y'all might even get a alert on the dash telling yous to release the bike. Equally a effect, you'll want to get those parallel parking skills ironed out earlier you take the test.