CGI VW vehicle showing rear traffic alert.

Rear Traffic Alert⁠

Part of the IQ.DRIVE safety-enhancing and intelligent technologies

Rear Traffic Alert is a safety-enhancing feature that helps drivers avoid collisions when reversing. It can detect cross traffic behind the vehicle and alert the driver with a chime and warning indicator. If the driver doesn’t respond to the warnings and a potential collision is detected, the system will engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

Collision avoidance

Ability to detect obstacles or cross traffic

Rear Traffic Alert can detect cross traffic behind the vehicle when reversing, and alert the driver with a chime and warning indicator. If a potential collision is detected, the system can even engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

CGI VW vehicle showing rear traffic alert.
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Ease of use

Once enabled, always enabled.

The system can be turned on in the assist systems menu in the instrument cluster with the steering wheel controls or from the infotainment system. Once enabled, it will be on every time the ignition is turned on. This makes it easy for drivers to use the system without having to remember to turn it on manually every time they drive.

Wide monitoring area

A greater degree of awareness

The system can detect vehicles in a wide monitoring area behind the vehicle, which provides drivers with a greater degree of awareness of their surroundings and can help them make safer driving decisions.

CGI VW vehicle in driveway showing rear traffic alert.
The ins and outs of rear traffic alert

  • How it works

    If there are crossing vehicles in the way when you're reversing out of a parking spot or driveway, Rear Traffic Alert will alert you and even hit the brakes to help you avoid a collision.⁠

  • Instructions

    • If you get an alert while driving in reverse, be sure to press the brake fully.
    • System will engage automatically when driving in reverse, as long as Rear Traffic Alert is switched to ACTIVE.
    • You can switch the system on or off in your digital cockpit or your infotainment screen.

  • Limitations

    • Only works when driving in reverse between 1 and 6 mph.
    • The following situations may cause unexpected braking to occur:
    1. Steep driveways or ramps
    2. Driving at low speeds over drainage ditches
    3. Lowered ride height, which can be caused by frequent heavy cargo loads
    4. Damage to the sensors caused by collision/accident
    5. Dirt, water, ice or snow on or near the sensors
    6. Foreign bodies or adhesive vinyl on or near the sensors
    7. Parking aid systems in other vehicles nearby
    8. Installation of non-VW Genuine Accessories such as trailer hitches, spoilers, bumpers and anti-rodent devices
    9. Noise disturbance or other active ultrasound sources in the vicinity
    • The following situations may cause unexpected warnings to occur:
    1. Steep slopes or driveways
    2. Plants/shrubs of certain height
    3. Nearby curbs
    4. Gravel, cobblestones, potholes
    5. Sharp bends in the road
Find answers about driver assistance

The VW Help Center

Discover answers to frequently asked questions about driver assistance features and general information about Volkswagen. Explore a wealth of information to better understand our products and services.

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