In Pennsylvania, dash cams are legal, but subject to specific regulations regarding placement, capabilities, and privacy considerations. These regulations aim to ensure that the use of dash cams does not distract drivers and respects privacy laws.
Legality and Placement
- Dash cams are permitted for business and personal use in Pennsylvania, provided they adhere to certain restrictions.
- Pennsylvania law dictates where dash cams can be mounted on a vehicle’s windshield.
- Acceptable locations include:
- The lower right corner of the windshield, within an area not exceeding 7 square inches.
- The lower left corner of the windshield, within an area not exceeding 5 square inches.
- The upper center portion of the windshield, within an area not exceeding 5 square inches.
- Some sources state that mounting on the windshield is illegal.
- The installation should not obstruct the driver’s clear view or interfere with the deployment of airbags.
Capabilities and Restrictions
- Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code permits dash cams, referred to as “video event recorders,” to record both audio and video.
- Dash cams can also record driving speed, seat belt usage, and patterns of steering and braking.
- Many dash cams allow drivers to set triggers for recording, such as unusual motion or crashes, while some record continuously.
Audio Recording and Privacy
- Pennsylvania law requires that dash cams be able to record and save audio data along with video.
- Because Pennsylvania is a “two-party consent” state for audio recording, drivers must notify passengers that they are being recorded.
- To comply with privacy regulations, drivers must post a visible notice in the vehicle or disable the audio recording function.
Admissibility as Evidence
- Dash cam footage can be used as evidence in personal injury claims in Pennsylvania, provided the above laws are followed.
- Dash cam footage can demonstrate liability and help support insurance claims by providing clear evidence of what happened during an accident.
- However, footage may also reveal the driver’s own mistakes, which could negatively impact a case.
Additional Considerations
- When crossing U.S. borders, permission may be required from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers to keep dash cams recording.
- It is advisable to consult with an attorney before sharing dash cam footage with insurance companies or law enforcement.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ssf-lawfirm.com/2018/10/19/is-it-lawful-to-install-a-dashboard-camera-in-pennsylvania-yes-but-there-are-legal-restrictions/
[2] https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/are-dash-cams-legal-in-my-area-dash-cam-laws-in-every-us-state
[3] https://pa-injurylawyer.com/can-dash-cam-footage-be-used-as-evidence-in-a-pa-car-accident-case/
