This backup camera cleaner hides behind your license plate

A Vermont-based startup has announced a new upgrade kit that adds a remotely operated backup camera cleaner to your car. the Lens lizard system This may seem like an unnecessary luxury to some, but if you deal with ice and snow blocking your backup camera every winter, or live in a remote location where dirt roads spoil your ride, upgrading will save you from having to frequently clean the camera yourself.

Its creators make Lens Lizard Available through Kickstarter Those who support the crowdfunding campaign can pre-order the kit at a discounted price of up to $99. The full retail price is expected to be closer to $149 while shipping will begin in April 2026.

NHTSA has mandated backup cameras on new vehicles since 2018, but cleaning systems are not common and can be expensive. You can find it on cars from Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen, but this feature is often part of more expensive trim packages. The Lens Lizard is an aftermarket upgrade that is compatible with “most North American vehicles” as long as the backup camera is located above the rear license plate.

One reason the Lens Lizard is limited to North American vehicles is that the device is sized and shaped to be a self-contained unit that mounts behind your license plate using existing screw holes and minimal tools. It features a refillable reservoir for wiper fluid that is blown into the backup cam using an adjustable high-pressure pump.

The reservoir and removable rechargeable battery that powers the pump should last four to six months depending on how often you clean the lens. To further simplify the installation process, the Lens Lizard does not connect to your vehicle’s electrical system. Alternatively, you can operate it remotely, even while driving, using the Bluetooth wireless remote control.