Assembly Bill 271 proposes to amend Wisconsin law to allow commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to utilize camera monitor systems as an alternative to traditional mirrors. Currently, state law mandates that all motor vehicles must be equipped with mirrors to provide a rear view, in alignment with federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). However, the FMCSA has established exemptions for CMVs that are equipped with specific camera monitor systems.

The bill introduces a new section, 347.40 (4), which explicitly states that CMVs may be equipped with an FMCSA-approved camera monitor system instead of the required mirrors. This change aims to modernize vehicle safety standards and provide flexibility for commercial operators in compliance with federal guidelines.