Are Dash Cams Legal? A State-by-State Guide to Dash Cam Laws in the USA

Last updated at: May 21, 2025

Dashboard cameras are getting swooped up by drivers of every age seeking to document their journeys, protect themselves legally, and capture unexpected moments on the road. Some jobs pretty much require that you have a dash cam (rideshare drivers and fleets, we’re talking to you).

But as dash cam usage grows, so do questions about dash cam legality. Are dash cams legal? Where can dashboard cameras be mounted? Are laws on cameras in trucks the same as in cars? What are the rules, regulations, and laws surrounding the recording of audio and video?

You probably have no shortage of questions about things like legal placement of dash cam, state dash cam laws, etc. – and Nexar has no shortage of answers as a leader within the dash cam industry. Below, we dive into everything you need to know about dashcam laws across the United States.

Are Dash Cams Legal in the United States?

Yes, dash cams are legal in all 50 U.S. states. However, police dash cam laws by state will vary. For instance, Georgia dash cam laws might be different from Ohio dash cam laws. Each state has specific regulations governing the following aspects:

Placement and mounting - Where on your vehicle you can legally install your dash cam.
Size restrictions - How large your dash cam can be in certain locations.
Audio recording consent - Whether you need permission to record conversations.
Privacy considerations - Rules about recording specific people and recording on private property.

Are dashcams illegal? If so, in what states are dash cameras illegal?

The answer is – none. Dash cams can be utilized in all of the United States. That is to say, in no states are dash cams prohibited.

Understanding the nuances of these laws is crucial for any driver using a dash cam to avoid potential fines or legal issues. One of the big points of getting a dash cam is the money you save that might normally go towards a negative outcome during an automobile incident – spending that money you save on a pesky ticket due to improper dash cam placement or illegal recording would be counterproductive.

Dash Cam Placement Laws: The Biggest Consideration

Are dash cams legal? Are cammed cars illegal? The most common legal issue with dash cams concerns their placement. Most states prohibit objects that obstruct the driver's view through the windshield. This means that where you mount your dash cam can determine whether or not you're compliant with the law.

Generally speaking, there are several placement options for a dash cam, which include:

Dashboard mounting - Legal in all states.
Windshield mounting - Restricted or prohibited in certain states.
Rearview mirror mounting - Often allowed if it doesn't obstruct vision.
Side window mounting - Restricted in some states.

What about the laws surrounding dash cam audio recording legality? When it comes to recording audio inside your vehicle, states follow either:

One-party consent laws - Only one person in the conversation (such as the driver) needs to consent to recording.
All-party consent laws - Everyone being recorded must give their permission.

States with all-party consent requirements include:

California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Washington

If you're driving with a dash cam that records in-cabin audio in any of these states, you must inform all passengers that audio is being recorded or disable the audio recording function.

Key Dash Cam Laws by State

Are dash cams legal in every state? Yes, and here's a breakdown of dash cam laws in states with specific regulations:

California

Windshield mounting: Limited to 5 square inches in the upper center or 7 square inches in the lower corner.
Audio recording: All-party consent required.
Notable: Drivers must notify passengers about dash cams, especially if recording audio.

Florida

Windshield mounting: Must not obstruct driver's view.
Audio recording: All-party consent required.
Notable: Inform passengers about audio recording to avoid privacy issues.

Illinois

Windshield mounting: Illinois dash cam law states that dashboard cameras must be installed on the driver's side dashboard; cannot obscure more than 5 square inches.
Audio recording: All-party consent required.
Notable: It is legal for you to record on-duty police officers performing their duties in public.

Michigan

Windshield mounting: Illegal to mount on windshield (exceptions for large commercial vehicles).
Audio recording: All-party consent required.
Notable: Michigan dash cam laws state that dash cams must not interfere with airbag deployment.

Pennsylvania

Windshield mounting: Can be mounted in the lower right corner (7 square inches max), lower left corner (5 square inches max), or upper center (5 square inches max) of the windshield.
Audio recording: All-party consent required.
Notable: Pennsylvania dash cam laws state that dashboard cameras must not be in range of airbag deployment.

Virginia

Windshield mounting: Cannot substantially obstruct driver's view.
Audio recording: One-party consent required.
Notable: Virginia dash cam laws consider mounting behind the rearview mirror to be generally acceptable.

Washington State

Windshield mounting: Windshield mounting currently prohibited.
Audio recording: All-party consent required.
Notable: Washington state dash cam laws state that recording private conversations without consent is illegal.

Specific State Requirements for Dash Cam Mounting

Are dash cams legal as far as dash cam mounting goes? Several states have very specific requirements for dash cam placement:

Indiana: Indiana dash cam laws state that dash cams must be placed in the bottom corner of the windshield on the passenger side, no larger than four inches square.
Minnesota: Must be mounted immediately behind, slightly above, or slightly below the rearview mirror.
Utah: Can be mounted along the top of the windshield (not extending more than 4 inches down) or in the lower left corner.
Vermont: Dash cam installation permitted in the lower right-hand corner (less than 4 inches tall and 12 inches long) or upper left-hand corner (no larger than 2 inches high and 2.5 inches long).

Dash Cam Recording on Private Property

Consider the following areas and regulations therein when driving/recording with a dash cam:

Public spaces: Generally legal to record in public areas like streets and parking lots.
Private property: Permission may be required from property owners.
Commercial zones: Drivers must follow property owner requirements when making deliveries or visiting businesses.

Legal Benefits of Dash Cams

Despite regulations that come along with ownership and operation, dash cams offer the following legal protections:

Evidence in accidents: Dash cam footage can be invaluable for proving what happened in a collision.
Protection against fraud: Protects drivers against insurance scams and false claims.
Documentation of police interactions: May provide objective evidence of traffic stops.

Nexar's Commitment to Customer/User Privacy and Legal Compliance

When considering dash cam options, privacy protection is a critical factor. Nexar dash cams are designed with built-in privacy features that help drivers comply with legal requirements while protecting sensitive information.

How Nexar Protects Your Privacy

As a Nexar dash cam user, you retain ownership of your video footage. Nexar's privacy commitment ensures the following:

Data ownership: Your dash cam video footage belongs to you.
No unauthorized sharing: Nexar does not share individual user data with third parties without prior authorization.
No tracking of individuals: Our system is designed to prevent privacy violations of both users and those captured on camera.

Built-in Anonymization Systems

Nexar implements sophisticated anonymization technology to protect your privacy.

Street-level anonymization: Removes dashboard and windshield elements.
Facial blurring: Automatically detects and blurs every visible person's face.
License plate protection: Blurs all legible license plates in frames that are irrelevant to an incident.
De-identification process: Ensures that shared data cannot be traced back to individual users.

As a part of our privacy policy, we process content solely to provide services to our drivers/users. This license ends when you delete your content or account, or if you opt out of data sharing under our Privacy Policy.

Transparent Data Usage

Nexar only uses anonymized, aggregated data to create collective road intelligence that benefits our entire driving ecosystem. This includes:

Road signs and infrastructure.
Building and landmark identification.
Road condition monitoring.
Traffic pattern analysis.
General driving behavior insights.

That’s right – Nexar dash cams get smarter with every drive when powered by the LTE Connection plan.

Remember, Nexar does not keep, sell, or utilize any of your personal data for commercial purposes. Our technology focuses on making roads safer while respecting privacy laws and individual rights.

With Nexar dash cams, you can confidently record your journeys knowing that privacy protection is built into our technology, helping you stay compliant with varying state dash cam laws.

Best Practices for Legal Dash Cam Use

To ensure your dash cam use remains legal across state lines:

Mount safely: Install on the dashboard when possible, or in a location that minimizes windshield obstruction.
Inform passengers: Verbally inform passengers about audio recording, or post a notice in the vehicle.
Consider an audio toggle: Install a dash cam with easily disabled audio for all-party consent states.
Preserve evidence: Hold onto/protect footage that may be relevant to an accident or legal proceeding.
Research local laws: Before traveling to another state, review their specific dash cam regulations and make appropriate adjustments before entering the state in question.

The Future of Dash Cam Legislation

Whether you’re using a roadview camera or a multi-channel system that incorporates in-cabin camera and a rearview camera, it’s important to follow all laws and regulations in your state to make sure you’re obeying the law on the road. Don’t take our word for it – research your own state laws and stay up to date; it’s your responsibility as a driver.

As drivers continue to snatch dash cams off the shelves, laws will likely evolve to address dashboard camera use more specifically. Some states are already considering legislation that would:

Create uniform standards for dash cam placement.
Address privacy concerns more directly.
Establish guidelines for insurance companies regarding dash cam footage.

And, yes, many insurance companies are considering offering discounts related to dash cam installation and use.

Conclusion: Know Your State's Laws

Legality of dash cam matters are fairly cut and dry from state to state. While dash cams are legal across the United States, understanding the specific regulations in your state is essential. By following proper mounting guidelines and consent requirements, you can enjoy the protection and peace of mind that dash cams provide while staying on the right side of the law.

Remember that laws can change and dashcam laws by state will vary, so it's always best to check your state's current regulations before installing a dash cam or traveling to another state with one. With the right knowledge and proper installation, dash cams can be a valuable tool for today's drivers, providing evidence, protection, and security on the road.

Here at Nexar, we believe that it's possible to preserve and respect your privacy while providing the very best service to drivers, fleets, and communities at large. We will always work tirelessly to uphold our privacy commitment to you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding dash cams may change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult with a legal professional in your state or your local authorities.