Senate Bill 273 proposes an amendment to Wisconsin law regarding the equipment requirements for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Currently, the law mandates that all motor vehicles must be equipped with mirrors to provide a rear view of the roadway. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established an exemption for CMVs that utilize a specific camera monitor system instead of traditional mirrors. This bill seeks to align state law with federal regulations by allowing CMVs to be equipped with an FMCSA-approved camera monitor system as an alternative to mirrors.

The bill introduces new legal language by creating section 347.40 (4) of the statutes, which explicitly states that, notwithstanding existing mirror requirements, a commercial motor vehicle may utilize a camera monitor system approved by the FMCSA. This change aims to enhance safety and modernize the equipment standards for CMVs, reflecting advancements in technology while ensuring compliance with federal guidelines.