Will Cameras Replace Sideview Mirrors?

Take a look at recent concept vehicles and you may spot a common trend: sideview mirrors are being replaced by little camera-wielding bars. These relay images to screens mounted to the doors, integrated into the central infotainment system, or even to some unexpected places, like holographic display systems.

This shift is generally driven by style. Concept cars, which aren’t built for the road, are usually created to present new visual designs. And it would seem that big, round sideview mirrors ruin the overall effect.

• Also: Cadillac’s Rear Camera Mirror
• Also: Nissan Aims to Supplement Rearview Mirror With Camera Technology

All this begs the question: in the future, near or far, will a system of cameras replace classic sideview mirrors?

As it stands right now, cars are legally required to have two mirrors: one inside, in the middle of the cabin, and another outside, on the driver’s side. Therefore, the law would need to change before anything can happen.

Then there’s the whole cost issue. If you get involved in a small fender-bender and damage your sideview mirror, replacement costs are relatively affordable. Plus, mirrors give you a real-time account of what’s happening behind your back—something that cameras can’t do unless they’re very expensive. Finally, what happens if your cameras are defective? Law enforcement officers would have a hard time telling, whereas it’s easy to see when a mirror is broken.

So rest assured that sideview mirrors are here to stay—at least for a while. Some manufacturers with a penchant for new technologies (like Tesla) are already looking to pass bills to legalize side-mounted cameras, but only the future will tell if they are successful.