Dash cams are legal in Wisconsin, but their installation and use are subject to specific regulations. These laws ensure that dash cams do not obstruct the driver’s view and are mounted correctly. Here’s a detailed overview of the regulations and how they apply to both personal and commercial vehicles.
Mounting Requirements
- Rearview Mirror Mounting: In Wisconsin, dash cams must be mounted behind the rearview mirror. This ensures that the camera does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road.
- Avoiding Windshield Wipers: The camera cannot block the area cleaned by the windshield wipers. This rule helps maintain clear visibility during rain or snow.
- Dashboard Mounting: While not explicitly required, mounting the dash cam on the dashboard is a safe alternative to ensure compliance with state laws.
Legal Use of Dash Cam Footage
- Evidence in Court: Dash cam footage is admissible as evidence in Wisconsin courts, particularly in car accident cases. It can help establish liability by showing how an accident occurred, the behavior of other drivers, and vehicle details.
- Privacy Considerations: While dash cams are not considered an invasion of privacy when used in public spaces, recording audio may require consent depending on the state’s laws. However, in Wisconsin, there are no specific laws requiring consent for video recording in public.
Benefits of Dash Cams
- Accident Documentation: Dash cams provide valuable evidence in case of an accident, helping to prove fault and support insurance claims.
- Driver Behavior: They can also record the behavior of other drivers, such as speeding or reckless driving, which can be crucial in establishing liability.
Commercial Vehicles
- Regulations Apply: The same mounting and visibility rules apply to commercial vehicles. Additionally, companies may have their own policies regarding the use of dash cams for safety and monitoring purposes7.
Wisconsin’s dash cam regulations are designed to ensure safety while allowing the use of these devices for evidence collection. By understanding and complying with these regulations, drivers can effectively use dash cams without legal issues.
Key Points for Dash Cam Users in Wisconsin
- Mounting Location: Dash cams must be mounted behind the rearview mirror and not obstruct the driver’s view or block the windshield wipers’ path.
- Legal Evidence: Dash cam footage is admissible in court for accident cases.
- Privacy: No specific consent is required for video recording in public spaces, but audio recording may have different rules.
- Commercial Use: Same regulations apply, with potential additional company policies.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
[2] https://facit.ai/insights/dash-cam-laws-by-state
[3] https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
[4] https://gpstrackit.com/blog/what-are-the-dashcam-regulations-in-each-state/
[5] https://www.mysclaw.com/can-i-use-dash-cam-footage-for-my-wisconsin-car-accident-case/
