Is It Legal to Use a Car Dash Cam?

Dash cams can be a pretty handy gadget to have in your car. Not only do they document your driving but can also be used to record whatever happens on the road. This helps protect you against theft and fraudulent insurance claims that can lower your car insurance premium.

Before you go ahead and purchase a dash cam for your car, however, you might want to investigate whether they’re even legal to install in your car or not. Let’s have a look at some of the important things you must be aware of before installing one.

Are Dash Cams Legal?

Yes, installing a dash cam in your car is legal in the United States and it does not impede or break any laws. In fact, for most states, having dash cams is encouraged for motorists’ safety and to deter any illegal activity. It is important, however, to take in note the laws regarding the placement of the dashcam and video consent laws. Since each state has different legal requirements, it is advised to check the law in your area before you start driving with the dash cam rolling.

The Legality of Obstructed Views

The first legal requirement has to do with the placement of the dash cam. In most states, you are prohibited to attach the dash cam where it might obstruct the driver’s view. Most jurisdictions have laws and restrictions regarding how much of the windshield can be obstructed by devices like dash cams and GPS navigation units.

For most states, you are not allowed to obstruct more than a 7-inch square on the passenger’s side and a 5-inch square on the driver’s side. Some states have very strict laws regarding dash cam placement, while some don’t have any windshield-obstruction restrictions on the books. To make sure that you don’t get into any sort of trouble, you should check the law or municipal code in your area.

Can You Record Audio and Video in Your Car With a Dash Cam?

Most states don’t prohibit you to record audio and video in your car with a dash cam but some local laws require you to notify your passengers if they are being recorded. A simple verbal notification or a sign may suffice. Most U.S states have one-party or two-party consent laws. To stay on the safe side, you should always obtain consent from all passengers in your car if you are recording their audio and video.

Can You Record the Police or Other Government Officials With Your Car Dash Cam?

At times, drivers use dash cams to record police interactions when pulled over. Is it legally allowed to record the conversation between you and the office? The answer is yes!

According to the first amendment, you have the right to record the video and audio of the police and public officials, regardless of whether they give you consent or not. This constitutional right supplants any federal or state law that prohibits such recording otherwise, so it’s safe to record your interaction with police officials as long as you’re not violating other applicable laws or interfering with their activities.

Takeaway

Though there are no laws that prohibit the use of dash cams for vehicles, it is still advised that all U.S motorists check their state’s law before installing a dash cam in their car. To make sure you’re getting the right information, you might want to contact someone who has experience in this field, such as your lawyer or local law enforcement official.