New Hampshire has specific regulations regarding the use of dash cams in vehicles. Here’s what drivers in the state need to know:
Mounting Requirements
In New Hampshire, it is illegal to install dash cams on the front windshield. The law prohibits driving with “any sign, poster, sticker, or other nontransparent material upon or adjacent to the front windshield… which shall obstruct the driver’s clear view of the way or any intersecting way.”
Instead, dash cams must be mounted on the dashboard. This requirement applies to both driver-facing and road-facing cameras. The goal is to ensure that the dash cam does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road.
Rear Cameras
While front windshield mounting is prohibited, New Hampshire does allow the use of rear cameras. Drivers can add a rear-facing camera to monitor rear-side activities without violating state laws.
Audio Recording
New Hampshire is an all-party consent state when it comes to audio recording. This means that all parties being recorded must give their consent before any audio can be legally captured. Drivers using dash cams with audio recording capabilities should be aware of this requirement and obtain permission from passengers before recording conversations in the vehicle.
General Usage
Despite the restrictions on windshield mounting, dash cams are generally legal to use in New Hampshire. As long as the device is properly mounted on the dashboard and does not obstruct the driver’s view, its use is permitted.
Considerations for Commercial Vehicles
The regulations for dash cams in commercial vehicles are consistent with those for personal vehicles in New Hampshire. Commercial drivers must also mount their dash cams on the dashboard rather than the windshield5.
Legal Implications
Dash cam footage can be valuable in legal proceedings following a car accident. In New Hampshire, which follows a modified system of comparative negligence, dash cam footage can help establish fault in an accident case3. To receive compensation for injuries, a plaintiff must prove they were less than 51% at fault for the crash, and dash cam footage can be crucial evidence in this determination.
Best Practices
To comply with New Hampshire laws, drivers should:
- Mount dash cams on the dashboard, not the windshield
- Ensure the camera does not obstruct the driver’s view
- Obtain consent from all parties before recording audio
- Be aware that footage may be used in legal proceedings
While New Hampshire allows the use of dash cams, the state has specific regulations to ensure driver safety and privacy. By mounting cameras on the dashboard, allowing rear cameras, and respecting audio recording consent laws, drivers can legally benefit from dash cam technology while complying with state regulations. As laws can change, it’s advisable to stay informed about any updates to dash cam regulations in New Hampshire.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
[2] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
[3] https://www.manningzimmermanlaw.com/using-dashcam-footage-in-a-new-hampshire-car-accident-lawsuit/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/Dashcam/comments/pmtjmo/driving_with_a_dashcam_in_nh/
