Understanding Dash Cam Laws in Every State

July 22, 2024
Sala

Dash cams are essential for protecting your rights and ensuring safety on the road. However, dash cam laws vary by state, so it’s crucial to understand the regulations where you drive.

In this article, you will learn about the dash cam laws in all 50 U.S. states, including:

Mounting Requirements: Where you can and cannot place your dash cam.
Audio Recording Laws: Consent requirements for recording audio.
Other Important Considerations: Additional legalities and best practices.

Equip yourself with the knowledge to use your dash cam legally and effectively, no matter where you are in the United States.

Are Dash Cams Legal in the United States?

Yes, dash cams are legal in the United States, but each state has its own specific laws regarding their installation and use. To help you stay informed and compliant, we provide detailed information on the regulations for each of the 50 states below.

The Complete List of Dash Cam Laws by State

Alabama

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal on the windshield, must be mounted on the dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Video recording is generally legal; recording in private places or eavesdropping is illegal. Dash cam footage can be used as legal evidence.

Alaska

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view. Less than 5 square inches if mounted on the driver’s side; 2 inches by 2 inches allowed, 3 inches by 3 inches illegal.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent likely.

Notes Ensure proper mounting within legal size limits and do not impair the driver's vision. Be mindful of privacy considerations.

Arizona

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the windshield, must be mounted on the dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view. Screen size limited to 5 inches next to the driver or 7 inches square on the passenger side.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Failing to comply with placement laws could result in a traffic ticket and potential liability in an accident. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court.

Arkansas

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must be placed behind the rearview mirror, must not obstruct the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Improper placement could result in a traffic ticket. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court.

California

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view. Limited to 5 square inches if mounted on the upper center of the windshield, 7 square inches if mounted in the lower right corner. Must not be placed where airbags may deploy.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Drivers must notify passengers about the presence of a dash cam, particularly if recording audio. Recorded data is considered the property of the driver. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if not tampered with.

Colorado

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view, should not reflect glare or cause distraction. Best placement is behind the rearview mirror or center of the windshield near the top. Reflective surfaces prohibited.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Police cannot seize a dash cam during a traffic stop without a subpoena. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court. Be aware of local ordinances that may have additional restrictions.

Connecticut

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view through the windshield. Opaque objects on windshields are prohibited. Recommended to mount on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Consider theft prevention by keeping dash cams hidden.

Delaware

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Prohibited on the windshield. Must be mounted on the dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes The primary concern is to prevent obstruction of the driver's view. Dash cams must be installed in a way that does not interfere with the clear view of the road.

Florida

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view through the windshield.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Inform passengers about audio recording. Video recording should be disclosed to avoid privacy issues. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if authenticated. Insurance companies accept dash cam footage as evidence in claims.

Georgia

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the windshield, must be mounted on the dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view. Recommended placement is on the dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Ensure all passengers consent to audio recording. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court. Improperly placed cameras could lead to issues in legal proceedings.

Hawaii

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Can be installed on the top or bottom corners of the windshield, size limited to five square inches. Some sources mention between 5 and 7 square inches. Must not obstruct the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent likely.

Notes Ensure dash cam does not interfere with airbag deployment or create any safety hazards. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally.

Idaho

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view. Recommended placement is behind the rearview mirror.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Be cautious about recording in private settings without consent.

Illinois

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must be installed on the driver’s side of the dashboard, cannot obscure more than five square inches of the windshield, must not unreasonably obstruct the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Legal to record on-duty police officers in public. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court and insurance claims if compliant with state laws. Blur identifiable information when publishing footage.

Indiana

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must be placed in the bottom corner of the windshield on the passenger side, must not obstruct the driver’s vision, must be no larger than a four-inch square.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Proper placement is crucial to comply with state laws and avoid potential legal issues.

Iowa

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view. Recommended placement is behind the rearview mirror.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally and without violating privacy laws. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction.

Kansas

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Can be installed on either the dashboard or windshield, must not substantially obstruct or significantly hinder the driver’s vision.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Ensure the dash cam does not impair the driver's ability to see clearly.

Kentucky

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: No specific laws prohibit or limit placement, should not obstruct the driver’s vision.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Placement should ensure safe driving and clear visibility.

Louisiana

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s “clear view”. No explicit legal status but accepted in court cases.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent likely.

Notes Notify passengers of recording. Police cannot demand footage without consent. Dash cam footage can be used as evidence in court cases and insurance claims.

Maine

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Can be installed on either the windshield or dashboard, must not interfere with the driver’s vision or obstruct their view of the road.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Exemptions for "required or provided equipment" in trucks. Ensure proper placement for clear visibility.

Maryland

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must be placed above the AS-1 line or higher than 5 inches below the top of the windshield, must not obstruct the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Legal to record video of public interactions. Illegal to surreptitiously record private conversations. Recording on-duty police officers is permitted. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court and can be used to determine liability. Deleting or altering footage of an accident is illegal.

Massachusetts

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the windshield, must be mounted on the dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Legal to record video in public spaces. Illegal to secretly record private conversations. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if proper foundation is laid. Inform passengers or post a sign if recording audio.

Michigan

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the windshield, must be mounted on the dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view. Exceptions for large trucks, truck tractors, buses, and hazardous waste vehicles. Must not interfere with airbag deployment.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Legal to record video of public interactions. Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court and can be used for insurance claims if properly authenticated. Inform passengers about the presence of a dash cam, especially if it records audio.

Minnesota

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must be mounted immediately behind, slightly above, or slightly below the rearview mirror. Mounting on the dashboard is not allowed.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is likely admissible as evidence in legal proceedings if obtained legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction and comply with state laws.

Mississippi

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view through the windshield. Recommended to mount on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction.

Missouri

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: No specific regulations. General recommendation is to not obstruct more than a 5-inch square on the driver’s side.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction.

Montana

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view through the windshield. Illegal to mount on the windshield. Recommended to mount on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction.

Nebraska

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Cannot be mounted directly on the windshield, recommended placement is on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if obtained legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction. Obtain consent for audio recording to ensure admissibility.

Nevada

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must be mounted in the bottom passenger-side corner of the windshield or anywhere on the dashboard, must not obstruct the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally and all parties were informed if audio was recorded. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction.

New Hampshire

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to install on the front windshield, must be mounted on the dashboard. Rear cameras allowed.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is likely admissible as evidence if obtained legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction. Rear-facing cameras can be added to monitor rear-side activities.

New Jersey

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not be mounted on the windshield or any part of the driver’s side that obstructs the driver’s view. Recommended placement is on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction. Inform passengers about audio recording to ensure compliance and admissibility.

New Mexico

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Non-transparent objects (including dash cams) should not obstruct the driver’s view. Recommended placement near the rearview mirror, bottom right corner of the windshield (passenger side), or on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction. Be mindful of privacy considerations and show courtesy when recording others.

New York

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view, interfere with airbag deployment, or cause distractions. Recommended placement near the rearview mirror, bottom right corner of the windshield (passenger side), or on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Inform passengers about audio recording to ensure compliance. Benefits include evidence in accidents and insurance claims, potential insurance discounts, and deterrence of aggressive driving.

North Carolina

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: No specific state laws, but should not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with driving or airbag deployment.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction. Be aware that footage can be used both for and against you in legal proceedings. Police may seize dash cams as evidence during accident investigations.

North Dakota

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Prohibited to install on the windshield; must be placed on the dashboard. All windows must be kept clear of dash cams, stickers, and posters.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction and interference with driving or safety. Be aware of privacy considerations, especially when recording in potentially private areas.

Ohio

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Cannot be mounted on the driver’s windshield; must be installed in a way that does not obstruct the driver’s view. Recommended placement is on the dashboard or in locations that do not interfere with visibility or safety.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Inform passengers about audio recording to ensure compliance. Police dash cam footage is considered public record, with some segments possibly redacted.

Oklahoma

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the driver’s windshield; must not obstruct the driver’s view. Recommended placement is near the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstruction and interference with deploying airbags. Benefits include evidence for accidents or traffic violations, potential insurance discounts, and enhanced vehicle security.

Oregon

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the windshield or other windows. Must be mounted on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage can be valuable evidence in accidents or incidents. Judges have discretion on admissibility. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Disable audio recording or inform passengers to comply with consent laws. Follow regulations to avoid potential issues.

Pennsylvania

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the windshield or windows; must be mounted on the dashboard. Must not obstruct the driver’s clear view of the road.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Inform all car occupants if conversations are being recorded or disable audio recording. Law enforcement vehicles have different regulations. Dash cam must not have a screen visible to the driver while driving.

Rhode Island

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: No explicit prohibition on placing objects on the windshield; can mount a dash cam on the windshield as long as it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: All-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is likely admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Be cautious about recording in areas where there's an expectation of privacy.

South Carolina

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the windshield or any windows; must be mounted on the dashboard. Must not obstruct the driver’s clear view of the road.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Be aware that footage can be used both for and against you in legal proceedings. Police or other parties may request or subpoena footage in case of an accident.

South Dakota

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the front windshield and side windows; must be mounted on the dashboard. Must not obstruct or limit the driver’s vision.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Follow South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-15-5 regarding nontransparent material on windows.

Tennessee

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Cannot be mounted on the driver’s windshield. Must be installed on the dashboard and not obstruct the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Inform all passengers if audio is being recorded as a best practice. Regularly manage footage to avoid storage issues.

Texas

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Must not obstruct the driver’s view through the windshield, side windows, or rear window. Should not interfere with airbag deployment.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view or distracting the driver. Inform passengers if audio is being recorded. Common placements include the bottom left or right corner of the dashboard, or behind the rearview mirror.

Utah

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Can be mounted on the windshield along the top (not extending more than 4 inches down) or in the lower left corner (not extending more than 4 inches out). Can also be installed on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. No specific laws mentioned regarding audio recording or privacy issues. Rear-view cameras can be installed without penalty.

Vermont

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Can be mounted on the windshield in the lower right-hand corner (device less than 4 inches tall and 12 inches long) or in the upper left-hand corner (device no larger than 2 inches high and 2.5 inches long).

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Virginia

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Cannot be mounted in a way that substantially obstructs the driver’s view through the windshield, front side windows, or rear window. Recommended placements include behind the rearview mirror, in the lower corner of the windshield, or on the dashboard (as long as it doesn’t obstruct view).

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Dash cams with screens should not display video to the driver while driving. Recording is allowed in public areas or where there's no reasonable expectation of privacy.

Washington

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Cannot obstruct the driver’s view. Must not obscure more than a five-inch square on the driverʼs side or a seven-inch square on the passengerʼs side of the windshield.

Audio Recording Requirements: All party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Inform all passengers about audio recording to comply with consent laws. Recording private conversations without consent is illegal.

West Virginia

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Illegal to mount on the windshield. Must be installed on the dashboard and placed in a way that doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Be cautious about creating blind spots or interfering with the driver's field of vision.

Wisconsin

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Cannot be mounted on the windshield except behind the rearview mirror. Must not be placed where the windshield wipers clean. Recommended placement is on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Avoid placing anything between the driver and windshield, except behind the rearview mirror.

Wyoming

Usage Allowed: Yes

Mounting Requirements: Cannot be mounted on the windshield in a way that obstructs the driver’s view. Recommended placement is on the dashboard.

Audio Recording Requirements: Single-party consent required.

Notes Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence if recorded legally. Ensure proper placement to avoid obstructing the driver's view. Avoid creating blind spots or interfering with the driver's field of vision.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this article is for reference purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments or changes. Laws and regulations regarding dash cams can vary and be updated frequently. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting with a legal professional or checking with local authorities. This article does not constitute legal advice.

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Understanding Dash Cam Laws in Every State

Are Dash Cams Legal in the United States?

The Complete List of Dash Cam Laws by State

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

Disclaimer

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