Reversing technologies, which include reversing cameras and motion sensors can increase driver awareness of vulnerable road users behind a vehicle.
Mandating this technology will reduce the devastating impact of reversing-crash road trauma in the country, particularly for pedestrians.
The impact assessment for this new vehicle standard estimates it can save a total of 13 lives and avoid 140 severe and 62 minor injuries over the next 45 years.
It is also expected to return a gross benefit of around $80.6 million to the Australian economy.
The new standard, called Australian Design Rule 108/00 – Reversing Technologies, will apply to all types of light, medium and heavy vehicles. This includes everyday cars through to heavy goods trucks.
It is aligned with United Nations Regulation No. 158, which ensures Australian consumers can access the safest vehicles from the global market at the lowest cost.
The standard will be phased in over the coming years to give manufacturers the time they need to adapt their models to include the reversing technologies.
All new vehicle models have until 1 November 2025 to meet the new standard, while all new vehicles made from existing models have until 1 November 2027.
