The camera stays on while driving. I don't really use it for lane changing though. It is like the right side mirror, "objects in mirror are closer than they appear". I mainly use the side mirrors and sometimes the rear view mirror. The Era/Sprinter is a pleasure to drive. I should have typed that in all CAPS. I love driving our Era. The visibility is wonderful for safe driving and for sightseeing. I guess I mainly use the rear camera when backing (careful) and to keep an eye on vehicles behind me when stopped. I suppose it could be used to make sure no fast cars are changing into the adjacent lane.