A back up alarm system for a vehicle including a sensor for generating a vehicle motion status signal with a vehicle reverse gear engaged. The vehicle motion status signal includes a base electrical signal when the vehicle is stationary and the vehicle motion status signal includes a threshold electrical signal when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and receives the vehicle motion status signal from the sensor. The controller activates a first alarm in response to the base electrical signal including at least one of an audible warning signal and a visual warning signal. In response to the threshold electrical signal, the controller activates a second alarm including at least one of an audible warning signal and a visual warning signal.