Rear and side-view mirrors will soon be a thing of the past. Japan has given the go-ahead for camera based side mirrors. The Ministry of Transportation in Japan has approved mirrorless cars following the green signal from a UN working group on international auto standards.
Initially, the camera systems will be placed in the same positions where we find current rear and side view mirrors and will have the same field of vision. This will enable drivers to become used to the new system before exploring other viewing options offered by camera systems.
Proponents of the camera systems argue that mirrorless cars will be more aerodynamic and camera systems can offer a wider field of vision, thereby enabling safer driving on the roads. Arguments against replacing the traditional mirrors lean on the complexity of camera systems (installation, repair, maintenance etc.) as opposed to simple mirrors.
Japanese drivers will probably be the first in the world to experience camera based side mirrors, and the feedback will go a long way to determine the potential trend for the rest of the world.