A quick guide to dashboard cameras and UK law
There’s sometimes a bit of confusion, especially amongst new drivers, about exactly how UK law affects dashboard cameras. Part of the reason for this confusion is because while they’re generally becoming more popular across the globe, different countries still have different attitudes to them. Happily, the UK takes a relatively liberal view; in fact motorists are even actively encouraged to get dashboard cameras to help crack down on crime like reckless driving and crash for cash schemes. Here, we’re highlighting the key points of the UK’s stance on dashboard cameras, so that you can make sure you’re using yours without putting yourself at any legal risk. Let’s start with the biggest question that people often ask…
Are dashcams legal?
Yes - dashboard cameras are perfectly legal throughout the UK. As we touched on just a moment ago, some police forces even actively encourage motorists to buy and use them, as it provides valuable video evidence that they can use to prosecute dangerous drivers. As recently as 2018, the North Wales Police Commissioner even personally recommended them to the general public.
They’re useful in cases which don’t necessarily involve dangerous driving, too. If you’re involved in a collision with another driver, having video evidence can help exonerate you from blame for your insurance company. This means you’re not paying for a collision that was someone else’s fault, whether through recklessness or an honest mistake.
However, not all of Europe has the same view of them that the UK does. In fact, dashcams are outright illegal in certain EU countries, often because of privacy concerns. In Luxembourg and Austria, it’s illegal to install or use them on the roads. In Portugal you can be prosecuted just for owning one, regardless of whether or not it’s installed on your car. They’re not illegal in Germany, Switzerland, France and Belgium, but each of these countries has their own set of restrictions on their use. So if you’re planning a road trip to a European country any time soon, it’s worth getting yourself clued up before you go!
Are there any legal restrictions on dashcams in the UK?
Yes - there are actually a fair few, but most of these are common sense. For example, it’s illegal to interact with it while you’re driving, for exactly the same reasons as mobile phone usage is prohibited. This applies even when you’re at a red light, so make sure you’re parked and stationary before you make any adjustments. Otherwise, you risk a £100 fine, and at least three penalty points. On the other hand, one of the less obvious laws states that you’re required to inform all passengers that a dashboard camera is in operation. That’s something to note if you’re a private hire driver, or an operator in the public sector.
Similarly, if your dashcam has a screen, you also have to pay close attention to its positioning and function. It can’t be on while you’re driving, so you’ll need to make sure that either you’ve manually switched it off, or that it automatically switches itself off after a few seconds. Generally, it’s illegal to view video playing devices as you’re driving. There are a few exceptions - reversing cameras being one of the most notable examples - but unfortunately dashboard cameras don’t measure up to this criteria.
Even if it’s off, you’ll still have to pay attention to where it’s placed. If the screen is positioned so that it intrudes on your field of view when you’re driving, then it could be classed as a distraction and you could be penalised accordingly. The Highway Code says that any obstructions can’t be more than 40mm into the area that’s swept by your wiper blades.
So in summary, while it’s worth paying attention to how you set up your dashcam, there’s nothing stopping you from using it while out on UK roads, so you can get peace of mind in enjoying all the benefits of dashcams. What’s more, we’ve got a wide range of dashboard cameras right here at Car Communications, so you can choose the one that suits you! Why not take a look through our stock, and see what you can find? If you’ve got any questions or need any advice, one of our friendly experts is only a phone call away - just give us a ring on 01254 694 537, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help!