The Australian Government has introduced legislation that will require all new cars to be fitted with reversing technology.
The new standard, called Australian Design Rule 108/00 – Reversing Technologies, will apply to all types of light, medium, and heavy vehicles ranging from cars to heavy goods trucks.
To reduce the number of pedestrian deaths and injuries by cars reversing, all new cars must have reversing technologies, which include reversing cameras and motion sensors, equipped to increase driver awareness of vulnerable road users behind a car.
Reversing technologies that adhere to the new standard must be fitted in all new car models from 1 November 2025.
For new cars made from existing models, reversing aids must be installed from 1 November 2027.
One expectation for this mandate is that it will reduce the devastating impact of reverse-crash road trauma, especially for pedestrians, which are Australia’s largest single-road user group and have no protection against car impact.
The new law mandates that drivers must have the capability to be made aware of objects that are directly behind the car up to a distance of 3.5 metres.
In conjunction with the lifesaving nature of the design rule, it’s estimated that the likely financial benefit to the Australian community would be $35.8 million.
It’s believed that the new Australian Design Rule will most impact entry-level commercial vehicles—such as vans and utes—and trucks.
While most passenger cars sold in Australia are fitted with reversing cameras as standard due to customer demand, rear parking sensors are uncommon, especially for base models.
“If we save even one child’s life through this mandate, it will be worth it,” said Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown.
“We know that reversing aids will improve visibility for drivers to minimise black spots while reserving. The Australian Government predicts that this change will contribute to a reduction in both fatal and non-fatal driveway incidents.
“This new standard supports our unwavering commitment to achieving Vision Zero: zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050. It will be particularly impactful towards ensuring zero deaths of children 7 years and under by 2030, one of the key targets on this vision roadmap.
“Our government will continue to work to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Australian roads.”
“We welcome this as a positive step forward for safety around vehicles. However, it is important to remember that reversing cameras are a driving aid only and cannot be relied on to prevent all incidents,” said Melanie Courtney, KidSafe Victoria CEO.