WASHINGTON — A German technology company wants to join a growing list of companies granted exemptions from trucking regulations allowing motor carriers to install cameras that replace traditional mirrors.
Aumovio, the former automotive technology business of Continental AG, has applied to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for an exemption for its ProViu Mirror video system to replace rear-view mirrors mounted on the sides of truck cabs.
“Aumovio estimates that, if granted, 50 to 100 commercial motor vehicles equipped with the ProViu Mirror camera monitor system [will] be used initially in proof of concept/demonstration vehicles with key customers,” the company stated in its exemption application. “Future deployment volumes will depend on the outcome of these initial demonstration deployments.”
The request asks FMCSA for a five-year waiver from regulation 49 CFR § 393.80(a), which currently mandates two permanent rear-vision mirrors on all commercial vehicles.
Aumovio contends that its digital alternative doesn’t just replicate the view, it improves it by expanding the driver’s field of vision and nearly eliminating dangerous blind spots that can plague traditional setups. With the displays located inside the cabin, the driver’s view remains clear even when side windows are obscured by road spray or ice.
The company also claims the cameras are less susceptible to impact damage than bulky mirrors because they don’t extend out as far from the side of the vehicle. If a system fails, the company stated the vehicle would be taken out of service until repaired, replicating the protocol for trucks equipped with traditional mirrors.
Changing the rules to allow cameras as a permanent option to traditional side mirrors – which would negate the need for issuing exemptions – has wide support, based on comments received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
An Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by NHTSA in 2019 generated close to 600 comments, most of which were in favor of the rule change. A decision on whether to advance the rule is pending.
In the meantime, several technology providers have successfully navigated the exemption process to bring mirrorless camera systems to the U.S. market, as FMCSA has consistently determined that high-definition digital displays can achieve safety levels equivalent to or greater than traditional mirrors.
To date, all major exemptions for the technology remain valid, with early adopters already receiving five-year renewals:
- Stoneridge, Inc. (MirrorEye): The first to receive a CMS exemption in 2018, Stoneridge was granted a renewal in February 2024 that extends its validity through February 13, 2029.
- Vision Systems North America (Smart-Vision): Originally granted in January 2020, the company applied for a renewal in late 2024 to extend its exemption through January 2030.
- Rosco Vision Systems (DCAMS): This system was granted a five-year exemption in late 2022 and remains valid until December 4, 2027.
- Convoy Technologies: Convoy received a five-year exemption for its Electronic Rear View System (ERVS) that is effective until July 24, 2029.
- Safe Fleet Bus and Rail: Their “MirrorLESS” system was granted an exemption in mid-2024, remaining valid through July 25, 2029.
- Robert Bosch/Mekra Lang: This partnership also holds a five-year exemption for their digital mirror system.
FMCSA is inviting public comment on the proposal for the next 30 days.
