Authorization will take effect November 30, 2026, with owners and drivers required to follow specific safety, inspection, and training requirements
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) today announced that, beginning November 30, 2026, certain commercial motor vehicles may use approved digital camera monitoring systems in place of conventional rearview mirrors.
The systems use cameras mounted outside the vehicle and screens inside the cab to show drivers what is beside and behind them. They can provide a wider field of view, reduce blind spots and improve visibility under certain conditions.
Only systems covered by a current exemption issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will qualify. Vehicle owners and motor carriers must also meet Massachusetts requirements for installation, maintenance, inspections, documentation and driver training.
“Camera monitoring systems represent an important advancement in commercial vehicle technology, but their safe use depends on proper installation, maintenance and driver preparation,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “This authorization creates a responsible process for bringing federally approved technology to Massachusetts while maintaining strong safety, inspection and accountability requirements. By working closely with vehicle owners, motor carriers, drivers, inspection stations and law enforcement, we can support innovation without compromising public safety.”
“MeVa has been testing mirrorless mirror technology on our buses for the past two years, which has resulted in a clear improvement in visibility for our drivers, the elimination of blind spots, and, most importantly, enhanced safety. This technology will also help eliminate disruptive mirror strikes—the most common on-road incident involving buses in urban environments such as Lawrence and Haverhill,” said MeVa Administrator and CEO Noah Berger. “We were pleased to host our colleagues from MassDOT and the RMV this past spring for a demonstration run in the Merrimack Valley to observe the benefits of the technology firsthand in real Massachusetts traffic conditions, and we are grateful for their continued support in implementing this waiver.”
Which Commercial Vehicles Are Eligible
The authorization applies to eligible commercial vehicles that:
- Weigh more than 10,001 pounds
- Carry more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation
- Carry more than 15 passengers, including the driver, without compensation
- Transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring federal placards
Three Camera Monitoring Systems Initially Eligible
At the start of the program, eligible systems will include the Safe Fleet Bus and Rail “MirrorLESS” system, Rosco Vision CV Digital system and Stoneridge MirrorEye system. A system will remain eligible only while its federal exemption is active. Qualifying systems must be installed and operated according to federal requirements, manufacturer instructions and the conditions established by the RMV.
Requirements For Vehicle Owners And Motor Carriers
Vehicle owners and motor carriers that choose to use an approved system must:
- Install and maintain the system according to federal and manufacturer requirements
- Inspect the cameras, screens and related equipment before and after operating the vehicle
- Repair defects before returning the vehicle to service
- Train drivers through classroom instruction and hands-on practice
- Establish procedures for responding safely if a system stops working
- Notify the RMV within five days of installing, removing or replacing a system
Documentation And Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Drivers must keep documentation in the vehicle showing that the system qualifies for the authorization and was properly installed. Inspection stations will not fail an eligible vehicle solely because it does not have conventional mirrors, provided the camera system is working and the required documentation is available.
CDL Skills Tests Still Require Conventional Mirrors
The authorization does not apply to Commercial Driver’s License skills tests. Applicants must continue to use conventional rearview mirrors throughout those tests.
The RMV may suspend or revoke the authorization for a vehicle, driver or motor carrier that does not follow these requirements or if continued use of a system is determined to compromise safety.
Additional filing instructions and program guidance will be released before November 30, and will be available on the RMV website.
