FMCSA Extends Regulatory Exemption for Bendix Windshield Cam

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has received a regulatory two-year exemption extension for the video camera component for two of its commercial vehicle safety systems from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association.

The decision extends an exemption from certain windshield clearance rules for Bendix. The FMCSA cited highway safety and the benefits of lane departure warning and collision mitigation technologies. The camera is part of the Bendix Wingman Fusion collision mitigation system and the AutoVue Lane Departure Warning System.

The exemption allows fleets and drivers to continue installing and using Wingman Fusion and AutoVue while remaining compliant with FMCSA regulations. The two-year exemption period expires on Nov. 17, 2017.

Under the FMCSA prohibitions on objects that obstruct a driver’s field of view, devices such as antennas or transponders that are mounted to the top of a windshield must be located outside of the area swept by the windshield wipers. The exemption covering Bendix’s systems can mount sensors no larger than 2-inches by 3.5 inches within the area, though not more than 2 inches below its upper edge and outside the driver’s sight lines to the road, highway signs and signals.

“This extension means Bendix customers can continue to rest assured that a properly mounted Wingman Fusion or AutoVue camera will not constitute a violation, which may affect a fleet’s CSA BASIC score during roadside inspections,” said Fred Andersky, Bendix director of customer solutions – controls group. “As use of these types of driver assistance technologies continue to grow, it is possible this exemption could become permanent before Bendix would seek another extension.”