Your guide to mirrorless camera cars (& MOTs)

All drivers know the phrase “check your mirrors” as a safety essential, but are we travelling towards a world where car mirrors could be a thing of the past? 

The truth is, mirrorless cars drive among us already. Instead of the wing mirrors and rearview mirrors, they are fitted with innovative ‘car camera mirrors’ instead. These digital cameras live-feed footage from the road for a sharper, broader view.

But how does this technology work in practicality? And what are the pros and cons? In this article, we answer all of your questions. 

Car camera technology

Back in 2016, the UN altered its regulations to allow camera monitoring systems to replace regular mirrors. Their infiltration into global markets is not widespread, but the trend is expected to rise in the future. 

But how do they work? Vehicles are fitted with small high-resolution cameras which replace traditional door mirrors and rearview mirrors by collecting a live video feed of the road outside. This real-time footage then appears on screens within the driver’s cabin. 

These cameras usually possess a range of special features to bolster the driving experience, such as zoom capability, tilt adjustment, surveillance, night vision and headlight glare reduction. 

Mirrorless cars on the market

Mirrorless cars are (currently) rare in this country. However, the UK market has welcomed the Polestar 4, a Swedish EV that replaces the rearview mirror with a high-definition screen. This receives video feedback from the roof-mounted HD cameras for a crisp and clear view given it doesn’t actually have a rear window to look out of. There’s also the Honda E which substitutes door mirrors for cameras, with displays on the left and right hand side of the dashboard. 

Based upon the growing popularity of smart technology and innovative designs in the global car market, you can expect a greater number of mirrorless cars to be driving on our roads in the future. 

The benefits of mirrorless cars

• Improvement of the driver’s observable field of view, resulting in a reduction of accidents 
• Enhanced aerodynamics, leading to greater fuel efficiency and a decrease in CO2 emissions 
• Special features like enhanced surveillance, glare reduction and built-in reference lines enhance driver safety and the overall driving experience 
• Weather and dirt will not affect a camera’s vision to the same degree as they affect the vision of door mirrors
• Night vision is improved, making driving at night more pleasant and safe 

The drawbacks of mirrorless cars

• Drivers will need to become accustomed to the adjusted depth of vision – relearning  sizing and distances in relation to what is displayed 
• Image resolution can impact how good the view is and, therefore, how useful the feedback is
• The overall operation of this new technical system could be considered more complex than merely adjusting a mirror physically 
• Damage and failure will be more costly to repair compared to a mirror 

MOT testing requirements

Whether a car uses mirrors or cameras, all vehicles must have a clear, unobstructed and adequate view of the road behind, the driver’s side and the passenger side. This applies to mirrors or mirrorless camera systems, and the latter must be fitted securely and be in full working order.

Mirrorless cars are in their infancy and so the MOT testing requirements, while suitable now, will inevitably continue to adapt and change in line with technological advances. The best way to clarify new or updated MOT testing requirements, including for mirrorless cars, is with the help of an authorised DVSA tester.

Established in 1971, the team at Mr Tyre has seen great change over time in the auto industry. Our knowledge and flexibility allow us to adapt to new technologies to provide MOT, diagnostics and other services to customer cars throughout Central England. Please contact us or check with your local branch to see how we can help you.