ISO 16505-2019 PDF

Full title and description

Road vehicles — Ergonomic and performance aspects of Camera Monitor Systems — Requirements and test procedures. ISO 16505:2019 specifies minimum safety, ergonomic and performance requirements and associated test procedures for Camera Monitor Systems (CMS) intended to replace mandatory inside and outside rear‑view mirrors for road vehicles. It is technology‑neutral with respect to camera and display types and excludes ADAS features such as parking aids.

Abstract

This standard gives requirements and test methods to ensure that CMS present the legally required outside information (specific fields of view) to the driver inside the vehicle with acceptable ergonomics, image quality and system performance. It addresses system structure options (e.g. one camera/one monitor or multi‑view arrangements) and provides measurement criteria for visual performance, stability and usability. ADAS functions are out of scope.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: July 2019 (ISO 16505:2019).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.180 (Ergonomics); 43.040.10 (Electrical and electronic equipment for road vehicles).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2019). Amendment 1 published 2021 (ISO 16505:2019/Amd 1:2021).
• Number of pages: 149 pages (base standard); Amendment 1 adds 2 pages.

Scope

ISO 16505:2019 applies to Camera Monitor Systems used to present prescribed external fields of view inside the vehicle instead of mandatory inside or outside mirrors (mirror classes I–IV as referenced in UN Regulation No. 46). The document sets minimum safety, ergonomic and performance requirements and describes test procedures to verify compliance. It does not cover ADAS functions (e.g. parking aids) and omits mirror classes already covered by UN Regulation No. 46. System architectures that combine or multiplex fields of view are within scope provided the supplier/manufacturer can demonstrate compliance with the requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Ergonomic requirements for positioning and presentation of camera images to minimize driver distraction and support natural head/eye movements.
• Field of view definitions and verification tests to ensure legally required coverage is achieved.
• Image quality and optical performance metrics (resolution/MTF criteria, contrast, color/chromaticity limits) and associated measurement methods; Amendment 1 clarifies certain MTF and optical performance parameters.
• System latency and dynamic behaviour requirements to ensure timely presentation of scene changes and to avoid misleading motion cues.
• Display luminance, contrast, anti‑glare and visibility requirements for varied ambient lighting conditions.
• Environmental, mechanical and electrical robustness tests relevant to vehicle use (mounting stability, vibration, temperature).
• Documentation, marking and information required for homologation, installation and maintenance.

Typical use and users

Primary users include vehicle manufacturers (OEMs), Tier‑1 camera and display suppliers, test and certification laboratories, regulatory/homologation authorities and human factors or usability engineers responsible for in‑vehicle interface design. The standard is used during design, validation, and regulatory compliance testing of CMS intended to replace mirrors.

Related standards

ISO 16505:2019 replaces ISO 16505:2015 (withdrawn) and has been issued alongside Amendment 1:2021 which refines optical and measurement criteria. The standard is referenced in discussions and regulatory proposals relating to UN Regulation No. 46 (indirect vision / mirrors) for the acceptance of Camera Monitor Systems in place of mirrors. For imaging measurement methods, ISO 16505 test procedures are aligned with established optical and imaging measurement practice used in vehicle camera/display testing.

Keywords

Camera Monitor Systems, CMS, mirrors replacement, road vehicles, ergonomic requirements, image quality, MTF, latency, field of view, test procedures, homologation, ISO 16505.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16505:2019 is an international standard specifying ergonomic, safety and performance requirements and test procedures for Camera Monitor Systems used to replace mandatory inside and outside rear‑view mirrors on road vehicles.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the required fields of view, ergonomic presentation of camera images, image quality and optical performance metrics (including certain MTF criteria), system latency and robustness testing, plus documentation and verification methods. It excludes ADAS parking aids and mirror classes already governed by UN Regulation No. 46.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Vehicle OEMs, camera/display suppliers, test houses and regulators use ISO 16505 during design validation, supplier acceptance testing and homologation of CMS. Human factors specialists and systems engineers also use it to set ergonomics and usability targets.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 16505:2019 (Edition 2) is the current published edition (July 2019). ISO 16505:2015 (Edition 1) was withdrawn when the 2019 edition was published. An amendment (ISO 16505:2019/Amd 1:2021) was published in 2021 to clarify certain optical/performance parameters. Users should check for any further revisions or national adoptions when preparing compliance evidence.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone international standard developed by ISO/TC 22/SC 35 addressing CMS ergonomics and performance. It relates to, and is referenced in, vehicle regulatory instruments (for example UN R46) and is compatible with broader vehicle electronics and ergonomics standards (ICS categories 13.180 and 43.040.10).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Camera Monitor Systems, mirror replacement, field of view, ergonomics, image quality, MTF, latency, test procedures, homologation, ISO 16505.