Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, have become increasingly popular for drivers in Pennsylvania. They provide valuable footage in case of accidents, road disputes, or unexpected events. However, before installing a dash cam, it’s important to understand the state’s laws and regulations to ensure you’re using it legally.
Are Dash Cams Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Pennsylvania. There is no law specifically prohibiting the use of dashboard cameras, so as long as you follow general privacy and safety regulations, you can install and use a dash cam in your vehicle. However, you should be aware of a few legal considerations to avoid potential issues.
Privacy Laws and Dash Cams in Pennsylvania
- Recording Audio:
Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state when it comes to audio recordings. This means that if you plan to record conversations (whether inside the car or from the car’s exterior), you must obtain consent from all parties involved. However, this typically applies to audio recordings rather than video. If your dash cam is only capturing video and not audio, you generally won’t have to worry about this law.- Important Note: If your dash cam records audio, you need to make sure that the conversations you record don’t violate privacy laws. For example, if you’re recording conversations between passengers or over the phone, it’s important to have consent from the individuals involved.
- Recording Public Areas:
Dash cams that record outside of your vehicle are generally acceptable as long as they capture footage in public areas, where there’s no reasonable expectation of privacy. However, it’s illegal to use dash cams to record private areas like someone’s private property, homes, or places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., in private driveways).- Reminder: Always be mindful of the type of footage you’re capturing, especially if your dash cam has external-facing cameras.
Mounting a Dash Cam in Pennsylvania
When mounting a dash cam in your vehicle, it’s important to keep the following in mind:
- Windshield Obstructions:
Under Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code, drivers are prohibited from placing objects on the windshield that could obstruct their view or interfere with safe driving. This includes dash cams that are mounted in areas that block the driver’s field of vision, such as in front of the rearview mirror or blocking the driver’s line of sight.- The dash cam should be mounted on the windshield in a way that it does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. Make sure the camera is placed within a reasonable position that complies with Pennsylvania’s laws on driver visibility.
- Dashboard Placement:
Some drivers opt to place their dash cams on the dashboard rather than mounting them on the windshield. This placement can help avoid issues with obstruction, but ensure the dash cam doesn’t interfere with airbags or other safety features.
Using Dash Cam Footage in Court
In Pennsylvania, dash cam footage can be useful as evidence in the event of an accident or legal dispute. As long as the footage was legally recorded (i.e., no illegal audio recording and no violation of privacy laws), it can be admissible in court as evidence. This can help resolve disputes over who was at fault in an accident, provide proof of events, or protect you in case of a traffic violation.
Other Considerations
- Insurance Benefits:
Some car insurance companies may offer discounts to drivers with dash cams. The footage from a dash cam can help expedite claims by providing clear evidence of events during accidents. - Data Retention:
Dash cams typically overwrite old footage once the memory card is full. However, you should regularly back up important footage in case you need to access it later for legal purposes or insurance claims.
Dash cams are legal in Pennsylvania as long as you follow the state’s privacy laws, don’t obstruct your view, and use the footage responsibly. Always ensure you have consent for audio recordings, avoid recording in private spaces, and mount the dash cam safely. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of added security and peace of mind without running into legal trouble.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.cooperschallandlevy.com/2024/01/29/the-role-of-dash-cams-in-car-accident-lawsuits/
[2] https://pa-injurylawyer.com/can-dash-cam-footage-be-used-as-evidence-in-a-pa-car-accident-case/
[3] https://gibbonslegal.com/dash-cam-accidents/
[4] https://www.expertmarket.com/dash-cams/dash-cam-laws-by-state
[5] https://www.ssf-lawfirm.com/2018/10/19/is-it-lawful-to-install-a-dashboard-camera-in-pennsylvania-yes-but-there-are-legal-restrictions/
