Gavin Howe
Dash cams are legal in the US, but there are restrictions regarding installation and placement that vary from state to state. The most common restriction is that the dash cam cannot obstruct the driver's vision through the windshield.
In some states, such as Alabama, it is illegal to place anything on a car's windshield, making suction dash cams unlawful. In other states, such as Arizona, there are detailed regulations governing dash cam placement, specifying the size and location of the device.
It is important to note that dash cam footage can be used as evidence in court, and failure to provide it if subpoenaed can result in fines or jail time. Additionally, dash cam footage can be used against you in court if it shows evidence of breaking the law or driving negligently.
To avoid legal issues, it is crucial to understand the specific laws and regulations of the state you are driving in and mount your dash cam accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Suction cup dash cams | Prohibited in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Dash cams on the dashboard | Legal in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Dash cams on the windshield | Legal in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Dash cams on the rear window | Legal in Hawaii, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont |
| Dash cams on the rearview mirror | Legal in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Dash cams on the side window | Legal in Massachusetts, New Mexico, Utah |
| Dash cam size requirements | Smaller than 5 square inches in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Utah; smaller than 4 square inches in <co: 0,3>Indiana |
What You'll Learn
Ensure the dash cam does not obstruct the driver's view
To ensure that your dash cam does not obstruct the driver's view, it is recommended to mount it on the dashboard, behind the rearview mirror, or at the top centre of the windshield. This way, the dash cam will not block the driver's line of sight while still capturing a clear view of the road.
In the United States, laws and regulations regarding dash cam placement vary from state to state. To ensure compliance, it is essential to be aware of the specific restrictions in your state. For example, in Alabama, suction dash cams are prohibited, while in Alaska, the driver's side dash cam must be less than five square inches. In Arizona, dash cams must be placed in the bottom corner of the windshield and must not exceed five square inches on the driver's side or seven square inches on the passenger side.
When installing a dash cam, it is crucial to consider the field of view, legal compliance, and avoiding distractions. The dash cam should be positioned to capture a wide viewing angle without obstructing the driver's vision or causing distractions. Check your state's regulations on windshield obstructions and ensure the dash cam is mounted in a stable and secure position.
Additionally, proper cable management is important. Route cables along the edges of the windshield and dashboard to avoid any interference with car controls. Also, consider the ease of removal if you frequently park in public places, as this can help prevent theft.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about your local laws, you can ensure that your dash cam is installed safely and legally, providing clear footage without obstructing the driver's view.
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Check state-specific laws for dash cam placement
The laws surrounding dash cam placement vary from state to state in the US. Here is a summary of the state-specific laws regarding dash cam placement:
Alabama
It is illegal to place anything on a car's windshield in Alabama, making suction dash cams unlawful. Dash cams are legal as long as they do not block the driver's view.
Alaska
Dash cams are legal in Alaska, but they must not obscure the driver's view. The device must be less than five square inches if mounted on the driver's side and no larger than seven square inches if mounted on the passenger side.
Arizona
Dash cams are only legal in Arizona if they are appropriately mounted. They must be placed in the bottom corner of the windshield and must not exceed five square inches on the driver's side or seven square inches on the passenger side.
Arkansas
Dash cams are legal in Arkansas if they are concealed behind the rearview mirror and do not block the driver's view.
California
Dash cams have been legal in California since 2011. If mounted in the upper centre of the windshield, they must not exceed five square inches. If mounted in the lower right corner, they must not exceed seven square inches. For commercial vehicles, dash cams must be mounted no more than two inches beneath the upper edge of the area covered by the windshield wipers and outside the driver's direct line of sight.
Colorado
Dash cams are legal in Colorado if they are installed behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard. They must not be reflective (mirrored or metallic) as they may dazzle the driver.
Connecticut
Connecticut prohibits placing non-transparent materials on the windshield, so dash cams should be mounted discreetly on the dashboard.
Delaware
Delaware prohibits applying non-transparent material to the windshield, side wings, or side or rear window, so dash cams should be mounted on the dashboard.
District of Columbia (D.C.)
It is illegal to mount a dash cam on the windshield in Washington, D.C. Dash cams should be mounted on the dashboard. If audio recording is used in the car, all passengers must give their permission to record.
Florida
Florida prohibits non-transparent objects that could obstruct a driver's view, so dash cams are legal as long as they do not obscure the driver's line of sight.
Georgia
Georgia prohibits non-transparent materials on the windshield, so dash cams should be installed on the dashboard. They are only permitted if the driver has permission from everyone in the vehicle to record video and audio. The device can be between five and seven square inches if installed in the top or bottom corners of the windshield.
Hawaii
Dash cams are legal in Hawaii if they are installed in the top or bottom corners of the windshield and do not exceed five square inches. They can also be installed on the back window or above the dashboard.
Idaho
Dash cams are prohibited from being installed on the windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows in Idaho. They must be installed on the dashboard.
Illinois
Dash cams are legal in Illinois if they are placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard and do not exceed five square inches.
Indiana
Dash cams are legal in Indiana if they are installed in the bottom corner of the windshield on the passenger side and do not exceed four square inches.
Iowa
Dash cams are legal in Iowa as long as the driver can see well. There are no specific laws regarding their placement.
Kansas
Dash cams are permitted in Kansas if they are placed on the dashboard or windshield and do not significantly hinder the driver's eyesight.
Kentucky
Dash cams are legal in Kentucky if they do not block the driver's view. There are no specific laws regarding their placement.
Louisiana
Louisiana prohibits operating a vehicle without a clear view through the windshield, so dash cams must be installed on the dashboard or just behind the mirror.
Maine
Dash cams are
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Check state-specific laws for dash cam size
While dash cams are legal in all 50 states, each state has its own specific laws regarding their installation and use. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the regulations in your state before installing a dash cam.
Alaska
In Alaska, dash cams must not obscure the driver's view through the windshield. If mounted on the driver's side, the device must be no larger than five square inches. On the passenger side, the maximum size is seven square inches.
Arizona
In Arizona, dash cams must also not obstruct the driver's view through the windshield. On the driver's side, the device must be mounted in the lower corner and be no larger than five square inches. On the passenger side, it must be in the lower corner and no larger than seven square inches.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, dash cams cannot be mounted on the windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows. They must be installed on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror, ensuring they do not impede the driver's view.
California
In California, dash cams must adhere to size and placement restrictions. If mounted in the upper centre of the windshield, the device can be no larger than five square inches. If mounted in the lower right corner, the maximum size is seven square inches. For commercial vehicles, dash cams must be mounted no more than two inches beneath the upper edge of the area covered by the windshield wipers and outside the driver's direct line of sight.
Colorado
In Colorado, dash cams must not obstruct the driver's view of the road. They should be mounted behind the rearview mirror, ensuring they remain out of the driver's direct line of sight. Additionally, dash cams must not cause glare or distraction to other drivers.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, dash cams must not obstruct the driver's view through the windshield. Suitable locations include the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror, ensuring the device remains outside the driver's direct line of sight.
Delaware
In Delaware, dash cams cannot be mounted on the windshield, side wing, or side or rear window. They must be placed on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror, ensuring they do not impede the driver's view.
Florida
In Florida, it is illegal to drive a vehicle if something is obstructing the view of the road. Dash cams must be mounted in a position where they do not block the view out of the windshield, such as on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror.
Georgia
In Georgia, dash cams must not obstruct the driver's view of the road. They should be mounted on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror to comply with the law.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, dash cams must be placed in specific areas and meet size restrictions. They can be mounted in the top or bottom corners of the windshield, as long as they do not exceed five square inches in size. Alternatively, they can be placed in non-obstructive locations, such as on the back window or above the dashboard.
Idaho
In Idaho, dash cams are not allowed to be mounted on the windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows. They should be installed on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror, ensuring they do not impede the driver's view.
Indiana
In Indiana, dash cams must be mounted in the bottom corner of the windshield on the passenger side and cannot exceed four square inches in size.
Kansas
In Kansas, dash cams can be placed on the dashboard or windshield, but they must not "substantially obstruct" the driver's eyesight.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, dash cams are allowed as long as they do not block the driver's view. They should be installed on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror to mitigate the risk of obstruction.
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Check state-specific laws for audio recording consent
When installing a dash cam, it's important to be aware of state-specific laws regarding audio recording consent. While federal law only requires one-party consent, meaning that one person in a conversation needs to consent to the recording, some states have stricter requirements. These are known as all-party consent states, where everyone in a conversation must give consent for the recording to be legal.
- Alabama: Alabama is a one-party consent state. This means that as long as one person in the conversation (such as the driver) consents, it is legal to record. However, it is recommended to inform all passengers about the audio recording for transparency.
- Alaska: Alaska is also a one-party consent state. As long as one participant in the conversation consents, recording is permitted. It is recommended to inform all passengers about the audio recording.
- Arizona: Arizona follows the one-party consent rule, meaning that the consent of just one person in the conversation is needed for recording. While not legally required, it is best to inform all passengers about the audio recording.
- Arkansas: Arkansas is a one-party consent state. As long as one party consents, recording is legal. For transparency, it is recommended to inform all passengers about the audio recording.
- California: California is an all-party consent state. This means that the consent of everyone in the vehicle is required before recording audio. It is important to inform all occupants about the audio recording and display signage or stickers inside the vehicle.
- Colorado: Colorado is a one-party consent state. As per the law, recording is permitted if one party consents. However, for ethical reasons, it is recommended to inform all passengers about the audio recording.
- Connecticut: Connecticut has nuanced rules. For electronic communications, such as phone calls, all-party consent is required. However, for in-person conversations, only one-party consent is needed. While not legally required, it is advisable to obtain consent from all parties for transparency.
- Delaware: Delaware is an all-party consent state. The consent of everyone in the vehicle is necessary before recording audio. It is important to clearly inform passengers about the audio recording through signage or stickers inside the vehicle.
- Florida: Florida is an all-party consent state. The consent of all occupants is required for audio recording. Displaying stickers or notices in the vehicle to inform passengers about the audio recording is recommended.
- Georgia: Georgia is a one-party consent state. As long as one participant in the conversation consents, recording is permitted. While not mandatory, informing all passengers about the audio recording is encouraged for transparency.
- Hawaii: Hawaii generally follows the one-party consent rule, meaning that the consent of one person in the conversation is sufficient. However, if the dash cam is installed in a private area, such as a commercial truck cabin, obtaining consent from all parties may be necessary. Informing all passengers about the audio recording is recommended to avoid disputes.
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Check state-specific laws for recording on private property
The laws surrounding dash cams vary from state to state, so it's important to check the specific laws in your state. Here are some general guidelines and examples of state-specific laws regarding the use of dash cams on private property:
- Alabama: It is legal to use dash cams, but you must obtain consent before recording on private property.
- Alaska: Dash cams are legal, but you should obtain permission before recording on private property.
- Arizona: Dash cams are permitted, but check with property owners before recording on private property.
- Arkansas: Dash cams are allowed, but you need permission for recording on private property.
- California: Dash cams are legal, but recording on private property requires authorisation.
- Colorado: Dash cams can be used, but check property owner requirements before recording on private property.
- Connecticut: Dash cams are permitted, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Delaware: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property without permission is prohibited.
- Florida: Dash cams can be used, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Georgia: Dash cams are legal, but check with property owners before recording on private property.
- Hawaii: Dash cams are allowed, but check property owner requirements before recording on private property.
- Idaho: Dash cams are legal, but recording on private property requires permission.
- Illinois: Dash cams are permitted, but you need authorisation for recording on private property.
- Indiana: Dash cams are allowed, but check with property owners before recording on private property.
- Iowa: Dash cams are legal, but recording on private property requires permission.
- Kansas: Dash cams are allowed, but check property owner requirements before recording on private property.
- Kentucky: Dash cams are permitted, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Louisiana: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires permission.
- Maine: Dash cams are legal, but check with property owners before recording on private property.
- Maryland: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Massachusetts: Dash cams are legal, but recording on private property without permission is prohibited.
- Michigan: Dash cams are allowed, but check property owner requirements before recording on private property.
- Minnesota: Dash cams are permitted, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Mississippi: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires permission.
- Montana: Dash cams are legal, but recording on private property without permission is prohibited.
- Nebraska: Dash cams are permitted, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Nevada: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires permission.
- New Hampshire: Dash cams are legal, but check with property owners before recording on private property.
- New Jersey: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires consent.
- New Mexico: Dash cams are permitted, but check property owner requirements before recording on private property.
- New York: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires consent.
- North Carolina: Dash cams are legal, but check with property owners before recording on private property.
- North Dakota: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires permission.
- Ohio: Dash cams are permitted, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Oklahoma: Dash cams are allowed, but check property owner requirements before recording on private property.
- Oregon: Dash cams are legal, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Pennsylvania: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires permission.
- Rhode Island: Dash cams are permitted, but check with property owners before recording on private property.
- South Carolina: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires consent.
- South Dakota: Dash cams are permitted, but recording on private property without permission is prohibited.
- Tennessee: Dash cams are allowed, but recording on private property requires consent.
- Texas: Dash cams are legal, but check with property owners before recording on private property.
- Utah: Dash cams are
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Frequently asked questions
The laws regarding dash cam placement vary by state, but generally, dash cams must not obstruct the driver's view and should be placed on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror. Some states have specific size restrictions for dash cams, such as Alabama, where dash cams must be less than five square inches if mounted on the driver's side.
This depends on the laws in your state. Some states require the consent of all parties being recorded, while others only require the consent of one party. It is important to inform your passengers that they are being recorded and to comply with their requests if they ask you to turn off the recording.
Yes, dash cam footage is often admissible as evidence in court if it is relevant, legally obtained, and authentic. It is commonly used in accident cases to prove fault or support claims.
Yes, the police can request your dash cam footage during investigations and may need a warrant to access it, depending on the local laws and circumstances.
Yes, if your dash cam blocks your view of the road, you may face fines or penalties. Most states have laws about keeping the windshield clear, so it is important to mount your dash cam according to your state's guidelines.
