How to Keep Your Dash Cam Legal Across State Lines
Dash cams are permitted nationwide, but each state imposes its own rules on placement, size and audio recording that drivers must follow.
Dash cameras can be valuable for documenting accidents, break-ins and other road incidents, yet their legality varies by state. All 50 states permit their use, but many restrict where they may be placed to ensure the driver’s view is not obstructed, with specific zones outlined in states like California, Illinois and Alaska. Some jurisdictions, including Alabama, Delaware and Louisiana, prohibit windshield mounting, forcing installation on the dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror.
Size limits also differ, generally capping devices at five inches, though Hawaii allows up to seven inches and Indiana limits area to four square inches. Audio recording is subject to two-party consent rules in thirteen states, meaning every passenger must agree before sound is captured. To stay compliant on multi-state trips, experts recommend following the most restrictive regulations—often those of California—using a small, unobtrusive unit and disabling audio where required. Checking each state’s DMV website before travel helps ensure the dash cam remains lawful everywhere.
Why it matters
Drivers can avoid fines or legal trouble by complying with differing state dash-cam regulations during interstate travel.
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