Dashboard cameras — Utah

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

Windshield placement and visibility

A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an object or device hanging or mounted in a manner that materially obstructs the operator's view. However, nontransparent materials may be used:

• Along the top edge of the windshield if the materials do not extend downward more than four inches from the top edge of the windshield or beyond the AS-1 line (tinting demarcation line) whichever is lowest; or
• In the lower left-hand corner of the windshield provided they do not extend more than three inches to the right of the left edge or more than four inches above the bottom edge of the windshield.

These rules make windshield, dashboard, and behind the rear-view mirror mounting acceptable but require strict adherence to size and location requirements.

Audio and video recording

Utah is a one-party consent state. This means you can record audio as long as one party to the conversation (e.g., the driver or the passenger) consent.

In Utah, 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 Utah has one-party consent 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.