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Dashboard cameras — State comparison
State
Windshield placement and visibility
Audio and video recording
Employee and driver privacy
Relevant statutes and regulations
No windshield mounting if it obstructs the driver’s clear view. Dashboard mounting is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Code of Ala. § 32-5-215 (a) (Windshields)
Code of Ala. § 13A-11-30 (1) (Definitions; eavesdrop; private place)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs, obscures or impairs the driver’s view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting recommended
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
13 AAC 04.225 (b) (Windshields)
Alaska Stat. § 42.20.310 (Eavesdropping)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view. Specific windshield mounting exceptions exist.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
A.R.S. § 28-959.01 (Materials on windows or windshields)
A.R.S. § 13-3005 (Interception of wire, electronic and oral communications)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs the driver’s view or safe operation. Windshield mounting allowed no more than 4 and ½ inches above bottom.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
A.C.A. § 27-37-302 (Windshields to be unobstructed)
A.C.A. § 27-37-304 (a)(1)(A) (Obstruction of interior prohibited)
A.C.A. § 5-60-120 (Interception and recording)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view. Numerous windshield mounting rules exist.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post required sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Cal Veh Code § 26708 (Material obstructing or reducing driver’s view; Exceptions)
Cal Penal Code § 632 (Eavesdropping on confidential communication)
Cal Bus & Prof Code § 22948.51 (In-vehicle cameras; prohibition)
Cal Bus & Prof Code § 22948.58 (Exclusion; commercial use vehicles)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs. Several windshield mounting rules exist. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
C.R.S. § 42-4-227 (1)(b) and (d) (Windows unobstructed; certain material prohibited) C.R.S. § 18-9-304 (Eavesdropping prohibited)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs or distracts the operator. Proof of actual obstruction is required.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-99f (Windshield; Obstruction of view)
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-187 (Eavesdropping; Definitions)
No windshield mounting allowed. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting recommended.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission.
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
21 Del. C. § 4309 (Obstruction to view on windshield)
11 Del. C. § 1335 (Violation of privacy)
No significant obstruction of front or side views allowed. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
D.C. Code § 23-542 (b)(3) (Interception of oral communications prohibited)
CDCR 18-2213.1 (Moving violations; Obstruction of driver’s view)
No windshield mounting allowed. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting recommended.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission.
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Fla. Stat. § 316.2952 (2) (Windshield requirements; restrictions)
Fla. Stat. § 934.03 (2)(d) (Interception of oral communications prohibited)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs the driver’s clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
O.C.G.A. § 40-8-73 (Windshields)
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-66 (a) (Interception of oral communication; Consent requirements)
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62 (2) (Surveillance which invades privacy)
Windshield mounting must meet size restrictions and be placed in certain areas. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting are other options.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
HRS § 803-42 (3)(A) (Interception of oral communications)
HRS § 711-1110.9 (Violation of privacy in the first degree)
HRS § 291-21.5 (e)(3) (Regulation of motor vehicle sun screening devices)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs the driver’s clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Idaho Code § 49-943 (Windshields to be unobstructed)
Idaho Code § 18-6702 (Interception of oral communications)
No windshield mounting or other placement or suspension in cab if it materially obstructs the driver’s view. Dashboard mounting is the safest option.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
625 ILCS 5/12-503 (c-5) (Windshields must be unobstructed)
720 ILCS 5/14-2 (a)(2) (Eavesdropping; Elements of offense)
No windshield mounting if it obstructs the driver’s clear view. Mounting in lower passenger corner if no larger than 4 inches square. Dashboard mounting is another option.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Ind. Code Ann. § 9-19-19-3 (b) (Nontransparent material upon the front windshield)
Ind. Code Ann. § 35-46-8.5-1 (Unlawful photography and surveillance on private property)
Windshield must have clear vision. Windshield installation not explicitly prohibited. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror installation recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Iowa Code § 321.438 (Windshields and windows)
Iowa Code § 808B.2 2.c. (Interception of communications; unlawful acts)
Windshield mounting must not “substantially obstruct, obscure or impair” the driver’s clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror installation recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
K.S.A. § 8-1741(a) (Windshields and windows; obstruction prohibited)
K.S.A. § 21-6101 (Breach of privacy)
Windshield mounting is prohibited for a product or material that does not allow at least 70 light transmittance. Dashboard installation is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
KRS § 189.110 (2) (Unobstructed windshields)
KRS § 526.010 (Definition; eavesdropping)
No object or material that is placed or affixed to the windshield may obstruct or reduce the driver’s clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror installation recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
La. R.S. § 32:361.1 (b) (View outward through windshield; obscuring prohibited)
La. R.S. § 15:1303 C. (4) (Interception of oral communications)
No obstruction of clear view allowed. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror installation recommended.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission. Exception: Vehicle temporarily parked on private property may video record to prevent theft or vandalism.
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
29-A M.R.S. § 2082 (Windows)
17-A M.R.S. § 511 (Violation of privacy)
33 M.R.S. § 2001 (Placement of cameras and electronic surveillance equipment on private property)
Windshield mounting prohibited with two exceptions. Rules for size and location must be strictly adhered to.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Md. Transportation Code Ann. § 22-404 (Windshield must be unobstructed)
Md. Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code Ann. § 10-402 (c)(3) (Interception of communications)
Mounting must not make the windshield nontransparent or obscured from either the interior or exterior of the vehicle. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror installation recommended.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
ALM GL ch. 90, § 9D (Windshields and windows obscured by nontransparent materials)
ALM GL ch. 272, § 99 (Eavesdropping)
No mounting of an object is allowed if it obstructs the driver’s vision. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror installation recommended.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
MCLS § 257.709 (1)(a) and (c) (Windshields and windows; prohibitions)
MCLS §§ 750.539c and 750.539d (Eavesdropping)
No nontransparent material is allowed on the windshield or object suspended between driver and windshield. Exception: Safety monitoring equipment (e.g., dash cam) are allowed if mounted slightly above or below the rear-view mirror.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Minn. Stat. § 169.71 (Windshield; prohibitions generally; exceptions)
Minn. Stat. § 626A.02 Subdivision 2. Exemptions (d) (Interception of oral communications prohibited)
No laws regulate dash cam placement and use. Dashboard or behind rear-view mirror placement recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-59 (Windows and window glass generally, etc.)
No laws that regulate dash cam placement and use. Dashboard or behind rear-view mirror placement recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Mo. Ann. Stat. § 542.402 2. (3) (Penalty for illegal wiretapping, permitted activities)
No nontransparent material allowed on the windshield that materially obstructs, obscures, or impairs the driver’s clear view. Dashboard placement recommended.
Audio: Permitted without consent if not done covertly.
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission.
Even though consent is not required for audio recording, the best practice is to post a sign in the cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Mont. Code Ann. § 61-9-405 (2)(a) (Windshields required; unobstructed)
Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-213 (1)(c) (Privacy in communications)
No object may be placed or hung anywhere in the vehicle that “significantly and materially” obstructs or interferes with operator view. Dashboard placement recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
R.R.S. Neb. § 60-6, 256 (1) (Objects placed or hung to obstruct or interfere with view of operator)
R.R.S. Neb. § 86-290 (2)(c) (Intercepted communications; unlawful acts)
Windshield mounting that obstructs clear view prohibited. Exception: Material displayed in 6-inch square in lower corner furthest from driver. Dashboard mounting is a viable alternative.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 484D.435 (Windshield and windows must be unobstructed)
Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 200.620 (Interception of wire communication prohibited)
No mounting upon or adjacent to the front windshield which obstructs clear view. Dashboard mounting is the safest option.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 265:95 (Obstruction to driver’s view)
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 570-A:2 (Interception and disclosure of oral communications prohibited)
Mounting on the front windshield, wings, deflectors, side shields, corner lights adjoining windshield or front side windows is prohibited. Dashboard mounting is the best option.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
N.J. Stat. § 39:3-74 (Windshields must be unobstructed)
N.J. Stat. § 2A:156A-4 d. (Lawful interception activities; exceptions)
Mounting prohibited upon the front windshield, windows to the immediate right and left of the driver or in the rearmost window. Mounting on the dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
N.M. Stat. Ann. § 66-3-846 (Windshields must be unobstructed)
No object may be placed or hung in or upon the vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct or interfere with the view of the operator through the windshield. Mounting on the dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
NY CLS Veh & Tr § 375 30. (Equipment placement; windshield)
NY CLS Penal § 250.00 (Eavesdropping)
No laws regulating the use and placement of dash cams. Mounting on the dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission.
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 15A-287 (Interception and disclosure of oral communication prohibited)
No material on the front windshield may obstruct the driver’s clear view. Mounting on the dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-15-02 3. c. (1) (Interception of oral communication)
Dash cams are not allowed on windshields unless they meet the definition of “vehicle safety technology”. On commercial cars they must be mounted not more than 8 and ½ inches below the upper edge of the windshield. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting are other options.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
ORC Ann. 4513.24 (Windshields)
ORC Ann. § 2933.52 (B)(4) (Interception of oral communications)
No suspension of any object from the interior of the vehicle which materially obstructs, obscures, or impairs the driver's clear view is allowed. Dashboard mounting is the safest option.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
47 Okl. St. § 12-404 (Windshields must be unobstructed)
13 Okl. St. § 176.4 (Security of Communications Act; Acts not prohibited)
The offense of obstruction of vehicle windows occurs if any material prevents or impairs the ability to see into or out of the vehicle. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting is recommended.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
ORS § 815.220 (Obstruction of vehicle windows)
ORS § 165.540 (c) (Obtaining contents of communications)
No material may be attached to the windshield or object hung inside the rear-view mirror or otherwise hung which materially obstructs, obscures or impairs the driver's clear view. Dashboard mounting is recommended.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
75 Pa.C.S. § 4524 (a) and (c) (Windshield obstructions)
18 Pa.C.S. § 5704 (4) (Exceptions to prohibition of interception and disclosure of communications)
No nontransparent material may be upon the front windshield which obstructs the driver’s clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-16 (Windshield; obstructions to clear view)
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21 (c)(3) (Unauthorized interception, disclosure or use of oral communications)
R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-6.12-1 (Employee privacy protection)
No nontransparent material (e.g., dash cams) may be upon the front windshield which obstructs the driver’s clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5000 (Windows unobstructed)
S.C. Code Ann. § 17-30-30 (C) (Interception of oral communication with prior consent)
It is a petty offense to drive with nontransparent material upon the front windshield, unless the item does not obstruct the driver's clear view. It is also illegal to drive with any object or gadget dangling between the view of the driver and the windshield of the vehicle. As such, dashboard mounting is the best choice.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-5 (Nontransparent material on windows prohibited)
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-6 (Objects dangling between driver and windshield)
S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-35A-1 (Definition of terms)
Windshield mounting is illegal. Dashboard mounting is the best choice.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
(a)(1) (Tinted motor vehicles windows)
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-601(A)(5) (Wiretapping and electronic surveillance, prohibited acts, exceptions)
No object or material may be attached or placed on the windshield that obstructs or reduces the operator’s clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting is recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Tex. Transp. Code § 547.613 (Restrictions on windows)
Tex. Penal Code § 16.02 (c)(4) (Unlawful interception of oral communications)
Objects and devices may not hang down or be mounted in a way that materially obstructs the operator’s view. Strict size and location rules exist for windshield application of nontransparent materials.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording
Utah Code Ann. § 41-6a-1635 (Windshields and windows; obstructions; prohibitions) Utah Code Ann. § 77-23a-4 (7)(b) (Interception of communications; Lawful interception)
Materials or items may not be adhered to or over, or hung behind, any transparent part of a motor vehicle windshield, vent windows, or side windows located immediately to the left and right of the operator. Hanging items must materially obstruct the driver’s view. Windshield mounting is allowed but with strict size and location requirements.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
23 V.S.A. § 1125 (Obstruction windshields)
13 V.S.A. § 3835 (Surveillance devices; placement on private property without consent)
Objects may not be suspended so as to substantially obstruct the driver’s clear windshield view. A passenger-carrying vehicle may not be altered in a way that obstructs the driver’s windshield view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror mounting recommended.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1054 (Suspension of objects or alteration of vehicle)
Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-62 B. 2 (Interception of oral communications; Exceptions)
Nontransparent material (e.g., dash cam) upon the front windshield may not obstruct the driver's clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror installation is the best choice.
Audio: All-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property video: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Rev. Code Wash. § 46.37.410 (2) (Windshields must be unobstructed)
Rev. Code Wash. § 9.73.030 (1)(b) (Intercepting, recording, or divulging private communications; consent required; exceptions)
Nontransparent material upon the front windshield may not obstruct the driver's clear view. Dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror installation is the best choice.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
W. Va. Code § 17C-15-36 (Windshields unobstructed and equipped with wipers)
W. Va. Code § 62-1D-3 (Interception of communications generally)
Driving prohibited with nontransparent material upon the front windshield, front side wings, side windows, or rear window; or an object placed or suspended in or upon the vehicle so as to obstruct the driver’s clear view. Dashboard mounting is the best option.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission.
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Wis. Stat. § 346.88 (Obstruction of operator’s view or driving mechanism)
Wis. Stat. § 968.31 (2)(c) (Interception of oral communications prohibited)
It is illegal to drive with any material (e.g., dash cam) or substance upon the front windshield, side or rear windows of the vehicle which materially obstructs, obscures or impairs the driver's clear view. To avoid uncertainty, dashboard mounting is the best option.
Audio: One-party consent
Public video: Legal
Private property videos: Deactivate camera or obtain permission
Post sign in cab and give verbal notice of audio and video recording.
Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-955 (Windshields and wipers)
Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-3-702 (b)(iv) (Prohibition against interception of oral communications; exceptions)