The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted Vision Systems North America a five-year exemption to allow the use of the Smart-Vision high-definition camera monitoring system as an alternative to the two rearview mirrors required on commercial motor vehicles. The agency has determined the Smart Vision system is likely to achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulation.

The Smart Vision solution replaces rearview mirrors with compact high-definition cameras mounted high on the exterior of the vehicle, and interior displays fixed on each A-pillar, to offer various advantages including increased field of view, optimized visibility, and reduced driver fatigue.

Compared with standard rearview mirrors, Smart Vision expands the field of view by an estimated 25% and eliminates lateral blind spots, according to the company. The solution proposes additional functions such as the suppression of the A pillar blind spot, parking, and maneuvering aid or guidance assistance.

It increases visibility in both day and night environments; the interior displays eliminate glare and the automatic adjustment of the screens’ brightness ensures visibility in all lighting conditions: entrance and exit of tunnels, low light, inclement weather, etc.

The system is already being used in Europe instead of rearview mirrors, under the requirements of ISO 16505, where about 300 vehicles are certified with the Smart Vision system to date.

Vision Systems North America will exhibit in booth #1223 at this year’s UMA Motorcoach Expo, Jan. 19 to 23, in Nashville.

To read the FMCSA exemption, click here.