Dashboard cameras — Arizona

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

Windshield placement and visibility

No one may operate a motor vehicle with a dash cam installed on the windshield or side or rear windows in a manner that obstructs or reduces a driver’s clear view through the windshield or side or rear windows. There are several exceptions to this general windshield mounting rule. Dash cams may be mounted:

• In a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side.
• In a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side.
• Immediately behind, slightly above or slightly below the rear-view mirror.
• Where the rear-view mirror would commonly be positioned if the vehicle is without a windshield mounted rear-view mirror.

Audio and video recording

Arizona 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 Arizona, 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 Arizona 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.