According to CCJ Digital, backup cameras have been required as standard equipment on all passenger cars and all trucks weighing less than 10,000 pounds that were built after May 1, 2018. Dan Forthoffer, a director of research and development for Phillips Industries, said that there are now plans for a new backup camera (for tractor-tailers) due for production later in 2022. Many tractor-trailer combinations weigh more than 10,000 pounds with loaded cargo. Forthoffer acknowledged that there were a few reasons for the delay in the design of backup camera technology for tractor-trailers and other large and heavy commercial trucks: The owner of the tractor and the owner of the trailer often differ – which creates a connection problem. Tractor-trailers often back into docks. An improper placement of the camera can cause the camera to smash during the docking. Transmitting signal reliability was a problem across the full length of the tractor and trailer Forthoffer says there’s still work to be done. He anticipates that the final design will include a wireless camera and an app that drivers will use. His company is also developing software that electronic logging device (ELD) providers can “integrate into their systems.” Phillips says it will make the software available to ELD providers for free. Forthoffer explained, “This way the camera will work with many different devices via WiFi and Bluetooth, and it removes the need for a master/slave connection.” Currently, most heavy-duty truck backup cameras use wired options – which makes their use on tractor-trailers problematic because the screens and the cameras can’t match up well. Forthoffer also said that the wireless option combined with a proprietary screen doesn’t work well after 20-25 feet. Many trailers are longer than 53 feet.