RCTA

Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Automotive

RCTA
Stands forRear cross-traffic alert
CategoriesTransportation & Travel

RCTA stands for Rear cross-traffic alert, an automotive abbreviation.

Warning system that detects vehicles approaching from the sides when a car is reversing out of a parking space or driveway. RCTA uses the rear radar sensors also used for blind spot monitoring.

Example: RCTA beeped as I backed out of the grocery store space and a pickup came barreling down the aisle.

Usage notes

Some systems add automatic braking, called rear automatic braking or rear cross-traffic braking. RCTA is especially useful when parked between large SUVs that block the view. US rules have required backup cameras on new vehicles since May 2018, which work together with RCTA.

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