Top 5 License Plate Rear View Cameras: Buyer's Guide

Ever back out of a tight parking spot and wonder if you clipped something right behind you? That little glance over your shoulder can feel like a gamble, especially when your vehicle is large or the space is small. Modern driving has its challenges, and backing up safely is definitely one of them. That’s where a License Plate Rear View Camera steps in to be your extra set of eyes.

Choosing the perfect camera, however, can feel overwhelming. Do you need night vision? Should it mount near the light or the plate itself? These decisions matter because a poor camera choice leads to blurry images or frustrating installation. You want clarity and reliability when you are maneuvering in reverse—not more stress.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essential features, compare the best types available today, and show you exactly what to look for so you can buy with confidence. By the end of this post, you will know which camera truly fits your car and your budget.

Top License Plate Rear View Camera Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

License Plate Backup Camera HD Night Vision Rear View Camera with 8 LEDs 170° Viewing Angle Waterproof Backup Rear Camera for Cars

HEAVY-DUTY LICENSE PLATE FRAME BACKUP CAMERA: Perfect for most of vehicles that use a standard US license plate. It is like a plate frame mounted on the license plate, holds the license plate securely without blocking the license plate info. Before buy, pls check your license plate size first. Not include Monitor.
GUIDE LINE ON/OFF: Cut the Green Line, the Guide Line will be disappear. If Guide Line no disappear, please check your monitor if set with guide line
WIDE VIEWING ANGLE: 170° viewing angle macro lens give you a wide viewing vision, high sensitive color CMOS image sensor. Lens angle physically 45° up and down adjustable on the camera, you can adjust the angle according to your needed
MARINE GRADE WATERPROOF: Aluminum Zinc Material with IP-67 Standard waterproof , shockproof & dust-proof level, high performance in all-weather condition, Never be foggy or wet inside the camera even in a storm or serious rainy day
TRUE COLOR NIGHT VISION No Purple : The License Plate Camera with 8LEDs, will supply you comfortable and clear image for night time and dark places. It with true color, no purple like infrared camera. The product is upgraded, it just rear camera now. Not Front Camera. If your image is reversed, pls check your monitor if set with mirror function

Bestseller No. 2

PixelMan Backup Camera,AHD 1080P Metal 170 Degree Wide Angle Rearview Reversing Camera,PMD2A-S Clear Night Vision IP69 Waterproof Reverse Rear View Camera for Car Vehicle SUV RV

【Continuous Upgraded 1080P AHD Backup Camera】After launching three car backup cameras, PixelMan further upgrade and launch the new reversing camera PMD2A-S. This car camera use the latest chip special for reversing camera made in Japan, this chip not only has excellent image output, but also has stunning performance under strong light and dark light. Strict in details and only make the best products is what PixelMan pursues. It is also essential to you, isn't it?
【Support HD and AHD switching】This upgraded back up camera even supports HD and AHD switching. Each optimization improves the definition, signal stability, waterproof performance, durability, installation, etc. Our vehicle backup camera can be switched to AHD signal output to achieve 1080P display (Under the premise that the screen supports AHD signal).
【1/2.7in AHD 1080P Large Chip Adopted in This Reverse Cam】The chip size determines the amount of reversing camera output pixels, compared with 1/4in chip used in ordinary backup cam, the most apparent feature is the enhanced brightness and color saturation besides of the sufficient clarity. The colors become more vivid and true, the increased brightness makes the images more clearly, meanwhile, the night vision effect also be enhanced, you can back the car easily without extra light at night.
【170° Wide Angle Optical Glass HD Lens】The lens is the core component of the reverse camera for car. The HD lens used in PMD2A-S wide angle backup camera is very different from ordinary lens in appearance, it has a larger aperture and a stronger sense of technology. High transmittance glass, fish eye appearance, F1.4 aperture, all these features directly determine the wide angle, maximum output pixels and night vision performance of the license plate camera.
【Back Up The Car Easily】Whether it is day or night, you can see almost everything behind the car when reversing, PixelMan camera for car reverse will let your driving easier and safer. Isn’t it what you need?

Bestseller No. 3

HD Backup Camera,Metal Housing 170 Degree Wide View Angle License Plate Rear View Camera for Car,Clear Night Vision IP69 Waterproof Rearview Universal Reverse Cam Kit for Vehicle SUV RV Pickup

【Significant Upgradation】This is a wired backup camera. When we design this car backup camera, we not only require the outstanding images, but also the stunning performance in bright or dark light. Signal stability, waterproofness, durability, installation,etc. are all greatly improved.PixelMan back up camera will assist you get a pleasant drive, this car rear camera is indispensable for you,isn't it?
【Powerful Sensor Chip and Precise Lens】PixelMan car rear camera features a 1/2.7 inch sensor chip, 170-degree fisheye lens, and noise reduction technology for excellent image quality in various lighting. The pure copper shielded cable ensures stable signal transmission. Note: Compatible only with RCA-equipped devices and requires NTSC support. Use the provided proprietary cables and verify RCA input and NTSC compatibility before purchasing.
【Metal Housing, Remarkable Waterproof IP69】PixelMan reversing camera for license plate adopts a sturdy metal housing and Nano sealant infusion. Our rear camera can be immersed in water for up to one year without issue, unlike plastic housing which is prone to aging due to thermal expansion and contraction. Please note: This camera supports NTSC only. Make sure your display device supports NTSC for proper functionality. PAL systems are not compatible and may result in no display or signal issues.
【Effortless Installation】PixelMan reverse backup camera comes with 2 installation brackets. The mini 4-pin connector simplifies installation. The camera supports 1080P devices only. Please ensure your display supports 1080P for optimal performance.
【Three Years After-sales Support】Each of our license plate backup cameras has been tested. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Care, and we will respond quickly. We offer a 30-day refund and a 36-month replacement guarantee. Please note: if your vehicle has a trigger wire, it must be connected for the camera to work properly. Shop with confidence!

Bestseller No. 4

eRapta ERT01 HD Backup Camera Rear View License Plate Reverse Camera Universal for Pickup Truck Car SUV 149 Degree Perfect Angle Night Vision IP69K Level Waterproof

Note Before Use: The eRapta ERT01 backup camera is compatible with vehicles that support CVBS signal type only. Please confirm your vehicle's video signal type before placing the order, if you are unsure about your vehicle's supported signal type, please consult your vehicle supplier or our customer service
Excellent License Plate Wired Backup Camera: Designed for car, Pickup Truck, SUV, Minivan and Sedans. Work well on old cars, new cars or used cars.
Universal Rear View Camera: Suit for 12-24V DC Power, 26ft RCA video cable. Support connectivity with radios, DVD players, OEM navigators, or any display with RCA video inputs.
Easy to Install: Suit for 12-24V DC Power. Just need to connect camera's power to reversing light, then connect the camera to your radio, screen or monitor by 26ft AV cable. Complete accessories and easy installation save our time.
Crystal Clear Image & Nice Night Vision: 6 glass lenses, 100% true color reproduction, the latest upgraded chip, generate clear real-time video. 10 LED lights automatically fill the light when powered, get a great color image in the dark for safe reversing and driving.

SaleBestseller No. 5

Pixelman Universal Car Rear View Camera License Plate Bracket, Upgraded Full Stainless Steel Backup Camera Mount, Dash Cam Mirror Accessory, Only Installation Holder

▶【 Upgraded Stainless Steel】Now the material of Pixelman backup camera license plate mount is upgraded to stainless steel, all the metal parts are made of high-quality stainless steel, and even the screws equipped are also made of stainless steel, which comprehensively improves durability and stability of this license plate camera mount. This rear view camera mount generally fit the rear cameras included in dash cam kit. Replace the small mount with license plate mount, easier to install.
▶The distance between the two screw holes of this back up camera bracket is 13mm, please confirm the distance between the two screw holes of your reversing camera is 13mm as well.
▶This bracket mount is rear view camera accessory, this backup camera license plate mount includes license plate bracket, rearview camera holder and installing screws.
▶This is a universal rear camera bracket, you just need to make sure that the distance between the two screw holes of your rear camera is 13mm, then buy it with confidence.
▶This rear view camera bracket can be only applied to US car license plates. Please note that do not install your backup camera upside down, you should test picture before installing.

Bestseller No. 6

GLK Car Backup Camera HD Rear View Camera License Plate Backup Camera with Wide View Angle 6 LED Night Vision Waterproof Front & Back up Camera, Guide Line On/Off

Front/Rear Camera & Guide Line On/Off: The backup camera default to Rear View with Guide Line. Cut the WHITE cable can be Front Camera; Cut the Green cable, the guide line will disappear. You can choose install in front or Back to your car. IMPORTAT: Please Restart your radio again after you cut wire loops, then the image should be correct
High Quality Images: Our Backup Camera with upgrade sensor, full glass lens, 6 bright LEDs, will provide you high-definition, high-resolution image in both day and night
IP68 Waterproof & Fog Resistant: Car Rear View Camera designed with fully sealed glue filling craft, you absolutely no need to worry about water, fog or mist inside
170 Degree Angle: The wide 170° viewing angles meet your vision needs when driving or parking, adjustable camera lens allows you to find the best position, makes you drive safely
Easy installation: Just hook it behind the License Plate without drilling holes for bracket installation. And it will not cover any information of your license plate. Metal material will be more durable then plastic. Important: The product is upgrading now, the installation way pls check the user manual. Upgrade 26ft/8M Video Cable is enough for most of cars. Not include Screen

Bestseller No. 7

Car Backup Camera HD Night Vision Rear View Camera License Plate Camera with 9 LED Lights, Font & Rear Camera, Wide View Angle, IP69K Waterproof Reverse Camera for Cars,SUV,Trucks,RV, Pickup

Super HD Day& Night Vision: Our HD Reverse Camera with new upgrade chips and glass lens, supply you HD true color, real time image at day and night. 9 Led lights will be Auto turn off in bright light areas
Front/Rear View Camera & Guide Line On/Off: You can choose install the backup camera in front or back of your car, keep or move guide line. More flexible. Please Restart your radio again after you cut wire loops, then the image should be correct. IMPORTAT: Please Restart your radio again after you cut wire loops, then the image should be correct
IP 69K Waterproof : Excellent waterproof design, better sealing technology, so that the backup camera can work good in extreme weather, no matter in Rain/Fog/Snow
149° Wide View Angle & Adjustable Lens: 149° wide view angle can meet your vision needs when driving or parking, adjustable camera lens allows you to find the best position, makes you drive safely
Easy to Install: Easy to install, no need drilling in your car. 8M/26.2ft Long Video cable, also fit for long car, don’t need to buy a extra cable, save money. Fit for 12V Cars, Such as Pickup Truck, SUV, Minivan, Sedans, RV, Trailer and Sedans etc. Not include Screen

Bestseller No. 8

License Plate Backup Camera,HD Night Vision Reverse Camera with 8 LED,170°Wide Angle IP67 Waterproof Car Rear View Camera Fits Car Truck SUV RV with US License Plates

Universal US License Plate Camera：Our backup camera for truck has a size of 12.2x6.38 inches and a screw hole inner diameter of 6.6mm (0.26 inches). Some car models on the market cannot be used (vehicles whose license plate screw hole spacing does not meet the American license plate spacing cannot be used). Please measure before purchasing
HD Night Vision+8 LED：Refuse difficult blind spot reversing! The license plate backup camera has 8 LED lights on its top, which can help you reverse more safely. Our reverse camera adopts HD optical lenses and a 170° wide angle lens design.The night vision function can work normally in well-lit environments (such as a parking lot with streetlights); slight noise may appear in completely dark areas
IP67 Deep Waterproof：You can fully believe the powerful waterproof, shockproof, and anti fog effects of this backup camera for car! The product has undergone comprehensive cleaning and testing with an automatic car wash machine, and still maintains a perfect, clear, and smooth camera imaging
Heavy Metal Process：We choose premium heavy metal as the raw material for this car rear view camera, making the product more sturdy, beautiful, and durable. (Note: Since our product is a white light camera, the image will not be reddish.)
What will You Get：The packaging includes 1x license plate camera, 1x RCA video cable (20 feet), 1x power cable (3.5 feet). This product does not include a display; the parking cone overlay cannot be removed. After relatively simple wiring, this camera can be used

Your Guide to Choosing the Best License Plate Rear View Camera

A license plate rear view camera is a smart addition to any vehicle. It helps you see what is directly behind your car when you reverse. This makes parking safer and easier. Choosing the right one can feel tricky, but this guide breaks down what you need to know.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, look for these important features. They make a big difference in how well the camera works for you.

1. Video Quality (Resolution)

Clarity is King: Look for cameras with at least 720p resolution (HD). Better resolution means you see clearer images. This helps you spot small details, like curbs or small objects.

2. Viewing Angle

Wider is Better: A wider viewing angle (like 170 degrees) shows you more of the area beside and behind your car. A narrow angle misses important side views.

3. Night Vision

See in the Dark: Good cameras have LED lights or excellent sensors for night vision. This lets you see clearly even when backing up at night or in dimly lit garages.

4. Waterproof Rating (IP Rating)

Weather Resistance: The camera must handle rain, snow, and car washes. Look for an IP67 or IP68 rating. This rating shows the camera resists dust and water very well.

5. Parking Guidelines

Helpful Lines: Many cameras project colored lines onto the screen. These lines bend as you turn the steering wheel, helping you judge the distance to obstacles perfectly.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used directly affect how long your camera lasts.

Durability Matters

Camera Housing: Choose cameras built with strong metal alloys (like aluminum) or high-quality, UV-resistant plastic. Cheap plastic can crack quickly when exposed to the sun.
Wiring: Ensure the wiring harness uses thick, shielded copper. Poor wiring leads to signal loss or failure over time.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes one camera better than another?

Quality Boosters

CMOS Sensors: Cameras using CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensors usually provide better low-light performance than older CCD sensors.
True Color Reproduction: High-quality cameras show colors accurately. This helps you judge the true color of the ground or objects.

Quality Reducers

Lag Time: Some very cheap cameras have a slight delay (lag) between what happens and what you see. This lag makes reversing jerky and dangerous.
Fisheye Effect: While wide angles are good, too much distortion (the “fisheye” look) makes judging distances very hard. A good camera balances width and distortion.

User Experience and Use Cases

How will you actually use this device?

Simple Installation and Use

Mounting Style: License plate mount cameras are often easy to install because they fit right where your plate sits. Check if the kit includes all necessary mounting hardware.
Screen Compatibility: Make sure the camera output works with your existing display (monitor, car stereo screen, or dedicated rearview mirror screen).

Common Scenarios

Tight Parking Spots: Essential for city drivers who often park in narrow garages or parallel spots.
Towing: If you tow a trailer, the camera helps you line up the hitch perfectly without needing a spotter every time.
Safety: It prevents accidents involving low objects, small children, or pets that you cannot see from the driver’s seat.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About License Plate Cameras

Q: Is installing a license plate camera hard?

A: Installation can vary. Some models are plug-and-play. Others require drilling small holes or running wires through the trunk lining. If you are not comfortable with basic wiring, professional installation is recommended.

Q: Do I need a separate screen for this camera?

A: Yes, most standalone license plate cameras need a monitor or screen to display the image. Some advanced units connect directly to compatible aftermarket head units (stereos).

Q: Will this camera work if my license plate light is on?

A: Many models are designed to replace or integrate with the existing license plate light housing. They often use the same power source, so they turn on automatically when you shift into reverse.

Q: Can I use this camera in heavy rain?

A: If the camera has a good IP rating (IP67 or IP68), yes. These ratings mean the camera resists strong jets of water and submersion, handling heavy storms easily.

Q: What is the difference between a CMOS and a CCD sensor?

A: CMOS sensors are more modern and generally use less power. They often perform better in bright light and are cheaper to produce. CCD sensors used to be better in very low light, but modern CMOS technology has largely caught up.

Q: Do I need to wire the camera to my reverse lights?

A: Yes, for automatic activation. You usually connect the camera’s power wire to the positive wire of your reverse light bulb. When the lights turn on (when you shift into reverse), the camera powers up.

Q: Can I see the camera image when driving forward?

A: Typically, no. These cameras are designed only to activate when the vehicle is in reverse gear to prevent distraction while driving forward.

Q: Will this camera drain my car battery?

A: No. Because the camera only draws power when the car is in reverse, the power draw is very brief and small. It will not drain your main battery.

Q: What if the image is blurry?

A: A blurry image usually means the lens is dirty or condensation has formed inside. Wipe the lens carefully. If the blur remains, the camera might have a manufacturing defect or poor sealing.

Q: Are these cameras legal everywhere?

A: Rear view cameras are legal in most places in the US and many other countries, as they improve safety. Always check your local state or country laws regarding vehicle modifications.