Dash cams have become a popular safety tool for drivers across the country, including in Kentucky. These small cameras can be a big help when it comes to proving what happened during an accident, handling insurance claims, and protecting yourself from false accusations.
But before you install a dash cam in your vehicle, it’s important to understand how Kentucky law applies to their use. This guide explains what’s legal, what’s not, and how to use a dash cam properly in the Bluegrass State.
Are Dash Cams Legal in Kentucky?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Kentucky, but they must be used responsibly and within the law. The state does not have any law that directly bans the use of dash cams in vehicles. However, you do need to follow certain rules about where you place them, how you record audio, and how you use the footage.
Let’s look at the most important points one by one.
Dash Cam Mounting and Placement Rules
In Kentucky, dash cams must not block the driver’s view of the road or interfere with safe driving. If a device is placed in a way that creates a blind spot or reduces visibility, it can be considered a safety hazard—and you could be fined.
Best practices for mounting a dash cam in Kentucky:
Place it behind the rearview mirror
Or mount it low on the dashboard where it doesn’t block the windshield
Avoid attaching it in the middle of the windshield or high on the passenger side
Always keep your line of sight clear. Dash cams should help you drive safely—not distract or obstruct.
Audio Recording Laws in Kentucky
Kentucky is a one-party consent state. This means that only one person involved in a conversation needs to give permission to record it. So, if you are recording a conversation inside your own vehicle, and you are part of that conversation, you do not need the other person’s permission to record.
However, if you are not part of the conversation and you are secretly recording other people without their knowledge, it could lead to legal trouble.
Tips to stay safe with audio recording:
If passengers are not aware they’re being recorded, it’s a good idea to inform them
Avoid recording conversations in private places or where people expect privacy
Don’t record third-party conversations you’re not involved in
Can Dash Cam Footage Be Used as Evidence?
Yes. As long as your dash cam was mounted legally and the footage was recorded properly, it can be used as evidence in Kentucky. This includes:
Car accidents
Insurance claims
Lawsuits
Traffic violations
Even in criminal cases, dash cam footage may help show what really happened.
Make sure your video is:
Clear and unedited
Properly dated and time-stamped
Stored securely so it can be shared with police, insurers, or courts if needed
What About Privacy Laws?
Recording public roads and public activity is generally allowed in Kentucky. People don’t have much expectation of privacy when they are out in public, such as walking down the street or driving on a highway.
However, don’t record people in private settings like inside their home, restrooms, locker rooms, or any place where privacy is expected. Also, avoid sharing or posting dash cam footage publicly if it includes people’s faces, license plates, or private conversations, especially without their consent.
When Dash Cams Are Most Helpful
Dash cams are especially helpful in the following situations:
Car accidents – Footage can prove who caused the crash
Insurance claims – Video proof can speed up the process and prevent disputes
Hit-and-run cases – Recordings can capture license plates and vehicle details
Road rage or reckless driving incidents – Helps document aggressive or dangerous behavior
Rideshare or delivery drivers – Protects against false claims from passengers or others
Using a dash cam in Kentucky is completely legal—as long as it doesn’t block your view, follows one-party audio consent rules, and respects people’s privacy.
When used correctly, dash cams offer a powerful way to protect yourself, support your case in a car accident, and encourage safer driving habits.
Whether you’re commuting, driving for work, or just want extra peace of mind, a properly installed dash cam is a smart investment for Kentucky drivers in 2025 and beyond.
[1] https://www.cessnageorge.com/using-dash-cam-footage-for-car-accident-claims-in-kentucky/
[2] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
[3] https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
