Dash cams are becoming more and more common among drivers for safety and legal reasons. But if you live in New Jersey or plan to drive there, it’s important to understand the rules around dash cam usage.
This article explains the key regulations for dash cams in New Jersey, including where you can mount them, what privacy laws apply, and whether the footage can be used in court.
Are Dash Cams Allowed in New Jersey?
Yes, using a dash cam in New Jersey is perfectly legal. But there are rules you must follow about where you place the camera in your car and how it records, especially if it captures audio. Following these rules is important if you want your footage to be useful in court or avoid getting into trouble with the law.
Where Can You Mount a Dash Cam?
Dash cams must be installed in a way that doesn’t block your view while driving. In New Jersey, it’s illegal to place anything on the windshield or side windows that could block the driver’s line of sight.
Best Spots to Mount Your Dash Cam:
Just behind the rearview mirror
At the upper center of the windshield
On the dashboard (as long as it doesn’t affect your view)
If your dash cam blocks your view, you could be fined. Also, if your footage was taken with an improperly mounted camera, a court may reject it as evidence. So it’s better to follow the rules from the beginning.
Recording Audio: Know the Privacy Rules
New Jersey follows a one-party consent law for audio recordings. This means only one person in the conversation needs to know it’s being recorded. But, if you’re recording inside your car and passengers are involved, it’s a good idea to inform them.
How to Stay Safe with Audio Recording:
Verbally tell your passengers that audio is being recorded
Or put up a small sign inside your car saying “Audio and video recording in progress”
If you don’t follow the consent rule, a court might ignore the audio part of your recording, even if the video is accepted.
Can Dash Cam Footage Be Used in Court?
Yes, dash cam recordings are often accepted as evidence in New Jersey courts, especially in traffic or accident-related cases. But the footage must be:
Relevant to the case
Clearly dated and time-stamped
Untouched (not edited or changed)
Collected from a legally mounted camera
Having proof of installation and maintenance can also help show that the footage is trustworthy.
Tips for Dash Cam Users in New Jersey
To get the most out of your dash cam legally and effectively, keep these points in mind:
Install your dash cam properly so it doesn’t block your view.
Always inform your passengers if you’re recording audio.
Keep installation receipts or any paperwork that shows your dash cam was set up correctly.
Don’t delete or edit the footage after an incident.
Using your dash cam correctly can help protect you from false claims and may even lead to lower insurance costs.
Quick Table Summary of New Jersey Dash Cam Laws
| Rule | What New Jersey Says |
|---|---|
| Dash cam usage | Legal |
| Mounting position | Must not block driver’s view |
| Audio recording | One-party consent required |
| Use in court | Allowed if recorded lawfully |
Using a dash cam in New Jersey can offer drivers peace of mind and strong evidence in case of accidents or disputes. But to enjoy these benefits, it’s important to follow the state’s rules for placement and privacy.
Always install your dash cam in a safe position, inform passengers about audio recording, and save your recordings properly. Doing these small things will ensure that your dash cam works in your favour when you need it most.
[1] https://www.expertmarket.com/dash-cams/dash-cam-laws-by-state
[2] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
[3] https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
