Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, are increasingly popular tools that provide continuous or independent monitoring of the driver and the area in front of the vehicle.
These devices are becoming a common safety tool for a wide range of drivers, from families to commercial vehicle operators, helping protect both the driver and their passengers.
Over the years, the use of dash cams has surged in popularity, with sales growing rapidly since 2011. According to market research firm GfK, the global sales of dash cams were just 400,000 in 2011, but that number grew fivefold in 2013 and was expected to reach 6.5 million units in 2014.
Benefits of Dash Cams
Dash cams offer a variety of benefits:
Driver Support: Many modern dash cams come with motion detectors and GPS tracking, helping to document incidents, such as accidents, theft, or accidents that occur while the vehicle is parked.
Accident Disputes: Dash cams are particularly useful when dealing with car accidents, as they provide irrefutable evidence in case of disputes. They help protect drivers from fraudulent claims or false police reports, ensuring that both insurance companies and courts have accurate visual evidence of what occurred.
Legal Protection: Dash cams help in legal situations, offering documentation that could support your claims and protect you from being unfairly blamed for an accident.
Despite the numerous benefits, some drivers remain hesitant to use dash cams due to concerns over their liability or potential privacy issues. However, the advantages far outweigh the risks.
Pennsylvania’s Dash Cam Laws
In Pennsylvania, there are no specific laws prohibiting the use of dash cams. However, drivers must adhere to other regulations concerning privacy, placement, and use of the devices. Here’s a breakdown of the essential rules:
No Special Permits Needed: Pennsylvania does not require drivers to obtain any special licenses or permits to use dash cams. However, there are some general laws that still apply.
Privacy Laws:
Pennsylvania prohibits recording video or audio on private property without the property owner’s consent. For example, setting up a dash cam that records inside other vehicles or private areas may violate privacy laws. Recording faces through the windows of parked vehicles in public lots is also prohibited.
Audio Recording: If a dash cam has audio recording capabilities, Pennsylvania’s Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act requires that all parties involved in a conversation must consent to the recording. This means recording conversations inside your vehicle without consent from all individuals could lead to criminal charges. However, video-only recordings do not require consent from passengers.
Windshield Obstruction:
Dash cams must be installed in a way that does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. According to 75 Pa.C.S. § 4524(f)(2), any object mounted on the windshield that blocks the driver’s view is prohibited.
Therefore, it’s important to ensure the camera is placed where it doesn’t impair visibility, such as on the top corner of the windshield or on the passenger side.
Dash Cams and Privacy Considerations
Privacy issues are a critical factor when using dash cams in Pennsylvania:
Wiretapping Laws: Under Pennsylvania law, the Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act requires that both parties consent to recording any phone conversation. This extends to conversations that may occur inside a vehicle. If you have passengers and you plan to record audio, they must be informed that they are being recorded. Without consent, recording audio could be considered a criminal offense.
Video-Only Recordings: Recording video without audio does not require consent under Pennsylvania law. However, it’s still recommended to inform passengers that they are being recorded, as failure to do so may be seen as a violation of privacy or inappropriate behavior.
Dash Cam Footage as Evidence in Court
Dash cam recordings are often used as admissible evidence in Pennsylvania courts. Both civilian and law enforcement dash cam videos can be critical in settling legal disputes:
Accident and Insurance Claims: Dash cam footage is invaluable in car accident cases. It can clarify or dispute the facts of an incident, helping to determine who was at fault. Footage from dash cams is commonly used to support or contest insurance claims and legal battles.
Law Enforcement Misconduct: Dash cam videos can also be used as evidence against law enforcement officers who engage in misconduct. A notable example is from 2017, when a motorist’s dash cam video on the Pennsylvania Turnpike led to the arrest and firing of an officer who was caught neglecting her duties. This is one of the many instances where dash cam footage exposed wrongdoing by police officers.
Best Practices for Installing a Dash Cam
Proper installation of a dash cam is important to ensure safety and compliance with Pennsylvania law:
Avoid Blocking View: Dash cams should never be installed in a way that obstructs the driver’s view of the road. Mount the camera in the top corner of the windshield or on the passenger side to minimize any obstructions.
Secure Installation: Ensure that the dash cam is securely mounted so that it does not move or become dislodged while driving. A loose camera could obstruct your view or even become a safety hazard in the event of an accident.
Access to Footage: If you use a dash cam to record incidents, make sure the footage is easy to access in case of an accident. Mounting the camera at an accessible location can ensure you can retrieve the footage quickly.
Dash Cams and Insurance
Dash cams are increasingly being used by insurance companies to reduce fraud and determine fault in accidents. In Pennsylvania, insurance providers may offer discounts to policyholders who install and maintain dash cams:
Insurance Premiums: Some insurers recognize the benefits of dash cams for reducing fraud and lowering risk. In exchange for using a dash cam, some companies offer discounts on premiums, particularly for customers who use cameras to document incidents like accidents, theft, or vandalism.
Fraud Prevention: Dash cams provide clear, irrefutable evidence of what happened during an accident, reducing the chance of fraudulent claims being filed against the policyholder.
The Future of Dash Cams in Pennsylvania
With the rapid evolution of technology, dash cams are likely to become even more sophisticated. Upcoming advancements may include:
AI Integration: Some companies are looking to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into dash cams by 2025. AI could allow the cameras to recognize potential hazards in real-time, issue warnings, or even take preemptive actions to avoid accidents.
Legislative Changes: As dash cam technology becomes more advanced, Pennsylvania may introduce new laws or regulations surrounding the use of these devices, especially as automated vehicles become more common.
Dash cams are a powerful tool for enhancing safety, protecting against fraudulent claims, and providing valuable evidence in legal cases. In Pennsylvania, using a dash cam is legal, but it’s important to follow installation guidelines and be mindful of privacy laws, particularly when it comes to recording conversations.
As technology continues to evolve, both drivers and lawmakers will likely see increased benefits from the continued use and regulation of dash cams. To stay compliant and make the most of these devices, it’s crucial to stay informed about any changes in legislation and technology.
