Dashboard Cameras — Arkansas

Dash cams are legal in Arkansas, but the following rules should be considered:  

Windshield placement and visibility

No person may drive any motor vehicle with a dash cam upon the front windshield, side-wings, side, or rear windows if it obstructs the operator's view or the safe operation of the vehicle. If mounted on the windshield, the dash cam must be attached no more than 4 and ½ inches above the bottom of the windshield.

Audio and video recording

Arkansas is a one-party consent state for audio recording. This means fleet managers or drivers may record conversations in the cab as long as one party involved (such as the driver or passenger) consents.

In Arkansas, it is generally legal to record videos in public and in semi-public places like a truck cab, where there is little or no expectation of privacy.

However, video recording on private property (e.g., customer sites and delivery locations) without permission may be illegal, especially if footage includes people who are unaware that they are being recorded. Best practice: Dash cams should be deactivated or explicit permission obtained from the property owner or the individuals being recorded prior to video recording on private property.

Employee and driver privacy

Because Arkansas is a one-party consent state for audio recordings, fleet managers or drivers can record conversations in the vehicle as long one party, such as the driver consents. The best practice, however, is to both post a sign in the cab and inform all passengers verbally (whether customers, contractors, or employees) of audio or video recording for purposes of trust, transparency, and to avoid privacy disputes.