Dash Cam Laws By States – Matrack Insight
Key Takeaways
- Dash cams are legal, but their placement and recording rules depend on state laws.
- Mounting a dash cam incorrectly, like blocking the driver’s view, can result in fines.
- Dash cam footage is allowed in court if it follows legal recording rules.
- The Matrack Fleet Dash Cam ensures safety with multiple cameras, real-time alerts, and driver tracking.
Are Dash Cams Legal in the United States?
Yes, dashcams are legal in the United States, but their use depends on state-specific privacy and mounting laws:
- Surveillance Laws: Some states classify dash cams as surveillance devices. Improper use may violate local regulations.
- Audio Recording: Federal law requires one-party consent for audio recording, but many states require consent from all parties involved.
- Passenger Notification: Inform passengers about video or audio recording to comply with privacy laws.
- Obstruction: Dash cams must not block the driver’s view, with placement restricted to areas like the windshield’s lower corners or behind the rearview mirror in many states.
Check below state-specific regulations to avoid legal issues while using dash cams.
What are the Dash Cam Laws By State?
Dash cams are essential for fleet safety, driver protection, and avoiding fines. However, the rules about their legality and placement vary by state.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of U.S. dash cam laws, answering whether owning and using a dash cam is legal in each jurisdiction. Keep reading to learn the regulations and how to use dash cams legally.
Dash Cam Laws By State:
Alabama
In Alabama, placing anything on a car’s windshield is banned, making suction dash cams unlawful. Dashcams are legal if they don’t block the driver’s view.
Alaska
According to Alaska Statute 13.04.225, dash cameras are legal, as long as they don’t obscure the driver’s view. The driver’s side dash cam must be less than 5 square inches.
The two-inch-by-two-inch driver-side device is permitted. A three-inch-wide-by-three-inch-tall device would be unlawful.
Arizona
In Arizona, dash cam use is permissible only if appropriately mounted.
Arizona law limits how much motorists and vehicle owners can block windshield vision. Mounting a dash cam on the driver’s side requires positioning it in the bottom corner of the windshield and giving it no more than five square inches of real estate. Passenger-side dash cams must fit in the bottom corner of the windscreen and take up no more than seven square inches of space.
Dash cameras must be five inches square on the driver’s side and seven inches square on the passenger side.
Arkansas
Dashboard cameras are legal in Arkansas so long as they are concealed behind the rearview mirror and do not obstruct the driver’s view. If a dashcam blocks the driver’s field of vision, it is illegal to use it.
California
In 2011, California passed legislation to legalize the use of dashboard cameras. However, If the dash cam is installed in the upper center of the windshield, it may not take up more than five square inches of the area; if installed in the bottom right corner, it may not take up more than seven square inches of space.
You shouldn’t install dash cams in areas where they could get in the way of an airbag. If your dash cams have a microphone and a record button, you must obtain permission from everyone in the car before recording their voices.
Colorado
Dash cams can be legally installed in Colorado either on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror. Mirrored and metallic dash cams are illegal in Colorado because they temporarily blind the driver.
Connecticut
The use of opaque objects on windshields is prohibited in Connecticut. The statute does not explicitly address dashboard cameras, but it does not exempt them in any way. It is essential to keep dash cams hidden for your protection.
Delaware
No one may drive a vehicle with a sign, poster, or other non-transparent material on the windshield, side wings, or side or rear glass in Delaware. The state law requires dashboard-mounted dashcams.
District of Columbia (D.C.)
Washington, D.C legislature permits dashboard cameras, but windshield mounting is forbidden. According to D.C.’s dash cam law, no one can drive with a sign, poster, or other non-transparent material on the windshield.
Drivers need passenger authorization to capture audio in the automobile. Mount a dash cam and attach a label or placard saying it records audio for safety.
Florida
In Florida, state law prohibits non-transparent objects that could obstruct a driver’s view. However, there are no specific laws addressing the use of dash cams. Dash cams are legal in Florida as long as they do not obscure the driver’s line of sight.
Georgia
The legislature of Georgia permits dashboard cameras, and drivers may record video and audio with passengers’ approval. In Georgia, operating a vehicle covered in a sign, poster, or other opaque objects on the front windshield is illegal, which would include a dash cam if mounted on the windshield instead of the dashboard.
Hawaii
Dash cameras installed in a vehicle’s top or bottom windscreen corners are permitted by Hawaii law to have a square dimension of between 5 and 7 inches. Both the windshield and the dashboard are viable mounting locations for dash cams.
Idaho
Blocking the driver’s line of sight is illegal under the dashcam legislation in Idaho. As a result, they are required to be mounted on the dashboard.
Illinois
Illinois Vehicle laws don’t address dash cams or recorders. Car drivers can mount a dashboard camera directly to the windshield until it doesn’t block their view. Install a 5-inch-square dash cam on the driver’s side.
Indiana
Indiana enables dashboard and windshield dash cams if installed correctly. Indiana requires a 4-inch square dash cam in the bottom passenger-side corner.
Iowa
Iowa Law doesn’t mention dash cams. Dash cams are permitted if the driver can see well. It’s against the law to have a windshield, wings, or windows that block your view.
Kansas
Kansas allows dashcams. Dash cams can be placed on the dashboard or windshield as long as they don’t “significantly hinder” the driver’s eyesight.
Kentucky
Kentucky has no dash cam placement laws. Dash cams are allowed if they don’t block the driver’s view.
Louisiana
Dash cams can be used legally in Louisiana. However, it is against the law to operate a vehicle without having a “clear vision” via the windshield. As a result, you shouldn’t put dash cams on the windshields of your drivers. It’s a safe bet to install them on your drivers’ dashboards or just behind their mirrors.
Maine
Dash cams are legal in the state of Maine, provided they do not get in the way of the driver’s view. The statute in Maine exempts “required or supplied vehicle equipment,” which may include dashboard cameras in some circumstances.
Maryland
Maryland has camera placement requirements. Dash cams can be mounted above the AS-1 line or 5 inches below the windscreen. Dash cams can be mounted in a 7-inch square in the windshield’s bottom corner.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts drivers cannot mount dashcams on windshields because they’re opaque. Mount it on the dashboard. If the side window’s “total visible light reflectance is less than 35%,” drivers can use a side dash cam. Dash cams are easiest to place on the dashboard.
Michigan
Dashboard cameras are legal in Michigan, but not on the windshield. The exemptions include vehicles with a gross weight above 10,000 pounds, truck tractors, buses, and hazardous waste trucks.
Minnesota
Minnesota drivers must put dashboard cameras “behind, above, or below the rearview mirror.” Dash cams are legal because they monitor driver input and safety.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, it is illegal to obstruct a driver’s view. However, the use of dashcams is not against the law. The use of dash cams helps to prevent accidents.
Missouri
Missouri is one of the few states that does not address driver visibility. Dash cams are lawful to install, so drivers can put them wherever they want. Mount the camera behind the rearview mirror or windshield to avoid obscuring visibility.
Montana
Montana legislation demands clear windshields. Transparent or not, items cannot “obstruct, impede, or degrade the driver’s clear view.” Montana drivers should install dash cams on dashboards, not windshields.
Nebraska
Nebraska allows dashboard cameras, but not on the windshield. Before recording audio, drivers must get permission from other cab passengers.
Nevada
Nevada drivers can install dash cams more compact than 6 inches square in the windshield’s lower corner. Dash cams can only be installed on windshields. No restrictions exist for installing a dash cam.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, front windshield dash cams are illegal. If the car has a back camera, the driver can add one to monitor rear-side activities. Drivers can install dash cams.
New Jersey
New Jersey prohibits installing non-transparent objects on the windshield, driver’s side window, or passenger’s side glass. Install a dash cam near the passenger-side windshield.
New Mexico
Although dashcams are permitted in New Mexico, careful placement is still recommended. The windshield must be clear, so it’s against the law to attach anything opaque to a car’s front, sides, or back. The dashboards of your automobiles are prime locations for dash cam installation.
New York
New York bill A5132 “provides for a 5% automobile insurance premium reduction for noncommercial passenger motor vehicles equipped with an operating dashboard camera.” New York legalizes dash cams since they operate as a non-biased passenger and help resolve traffic incidents. Dash cams should go on the dashboard, not the windshield.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s automobile rules don’t address dashboard cams or windshield blockage. Drivers should use prudence while placing a dash cam. Mounting cameras on the dashboard is safe because they won’t obstruct your view.
North Dakota
The use of windshield dash cams is prohibited in North Dakota. It is required that all windows have stickers, dash cams, and posters removed from them. The dashboard is ideal for mounting a dash cam in North Dakota.
Ohio
Ohio has a statute that bans the use of windshield dash cams. Every dash cam needs to be installed in the vehicle. Recording video and audio inside the cab is legal so long as the camera does not obstruct the driver’s view of the windshield.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma outlaws dashboard cams. If the dash cam does not obstruct the driver’s view via the windshield, it can be positioned on the dashboard.
Oregon
Oregon prohibits “any substance that hinders or affects vehicle visibility.” Dash cams can’t be mounted on windshields or other automobile windows. Dash cams can record audio and video for drivers.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law prohibits putting dash cams on car glass, including the windshield. Dash cams can be mounted on the dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island legalizes dash cams but prohibits windshield mounting. Drivers can mount dash cams facing the road. Dash cams are legal if they don’t block the driver’s view.
South Carolina
South Carolina allows dashboard-mounted dash cams but not on the windshield or windows. Any window must be visible to the driver.
South Dakota
The use of materials that are not clear is prohibited on car windshields, side wings, side windows, and rear windows in the state of South Dakota. Dash cams can be mounted on car dashboards. It is possible to record video and audio while driving, but you will need permission or advance notification.
Tennessee
Visibility for drivers must not be obstructed under the legislation in Tennessee. The windshield is not a suitable mounting location for dash cams, GPS systems, or other similar devices. Drivers are permitted to install dash cams with no limitations or restrictions.
Texas
In Texas, the vehicle owner commits an offense if an object or material on the windshield, side or rear glass obstructs or reduces the operator’s clear view. Dash cams are permissible in Texas, but not on the windshield.
Utah
In Utah, drivers can put dash cams on the windshield if they don’t extend more than four inches down or out. Drivers can also install rear-view cameras without penalty.
Vermont
Vermont law allows dash cams in the bottom right windscreen if they are less than 4 inches in height and 12 inches long. The device can be two inches high and two-and-a-half inches long if mounted in the upper left windshield corner.
Virginia
Virginia law prevents drivers from placing dash cams on windshields but allows them on dashboards. The equipment is authorized as long as the motorist can see the road.
Washington
Washington drivers can capture audio and video with dash cams whether driving or parked. The camera on the windshield would block the driver’s view of the road.
West Virginia
West Virginia drivers can’t place non-transparent materials on the windshield. No rules prohibit placing a dash cam on other automobile windows. Install a dash cam out of the driver’s sight for safety.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin allows dashcams. Drivers can only place dash cams behind the rearview mirror.
The camera can’t be mounted where the windshield wipers are clean. Wisconsin doesn’t allow anything between the driver and windshield, making dash cam placement unclear. Again, dashboard mounting seems to be the easiest option.
Wyoming
The dashboard camera mount is legal in Wyoming, but not the windshield mount. The use of dash cams is permitted so long as they do not obstruct the driver’s view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dash Cam Footage Be Used Against You in Court?
Yes, dash cam footage can be used against you if it shows evidence of breaking the law or driving negligently. Courts accept such footage if it was recorded legally and hasn’t been tampered with. Know More.
Is Dash Cam Footage Admissible in Court?
Courts often accept dashcam footage as evidence if it’s relevant, legally obtained, and authentic. It’s commonly used in accident cases to prove fault or support claims.
Can Police Take Your Dash Cam Footage?
Yes, law enforcement can request your dashcam footage during investigations. In some cases, they may need a warrant to access it, depending on local laws and circumstances.
Do You Need Consent to Record with a Dash Cam?
This depends on the laws in your state. States with all-party consent laws require you to inform and get approval from everyone who has recorded. However, video recording in public spaces is generally allowed without consent.
Can You Be Fined for Improper Dash Cam Placement?
If your dash cam blocks your view of the road, you could face fines or penalties. Most states have laws about keeping the windshield clear, so ensure your dash cam is mounted according to your state’s guidelines.
Why is Matrack Fleet Dash Cam the Best Choice for You ?
Matrack Fleet Dash Cam improves fleet safety with real-time video access, GPS tracking, and alerts for risky driving. It supports up to five cameras, providing complete vehicle visibility and immediate driver notifications.
This system helps prevent accidents by detecting behaviors like drowsiness or distracted driving. It also enables video access for incident review, ensuring efficient dispute resolution and better fleet management.
Product Highlights:
- Multi-Camera Coverage
- Driver Behavior Alerts
- Collision & Lane Warnings
- Real-Time Alert
- Instant Cloud Access