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Digitimes Research: Japan allows use of electronic rear-view mirrors

Hana Hu, DIGITIMES Research, Taipei

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on June 17, 2016 approved the use of electronic rear-view mirrors, mainly consisting of cameras and displays, in place of traditional models in automobiles, making Japan the first country to adopt the technology around the world, according to Digitimes Research.

MLIT requires that the viewing field and resolution of rear- and side-view video recorded by electronic rear-view mirrors be at least the same as seen from traditional models and electronic rear-view mirrors be fit close to where traditional models are, Digitimes Research indicated.

In comparison with traditional rear-view mirrors, electronic ones have much wider viewing field with no or little interruption in line of sight but are much more expensive and may introduce a delay in video display or suddenly break down.

As Toyota Motor and Nissan Motor have adopted electronic rear-view mirrors, cars with such devices will be available in Japan in 2-3 years.