Windshield Laws by State

Are dash cams legal in my state? The answer is yes, no matter where you live. No state explicitly bans the use of a dash cam. However, windshield obstruction laws often apply instead. Some states specify precise windshield areas where devices may go, while others prohibit windshield mounting altogether. Yet, most states have a more generic “don’t block the view” standard. Here’s a breakdown of what applies where.

States with Explicit Placement Zones

These states mandate the allowable areas on the windshield glass that may be used for device mounting:

• California: 7" passenger-side lower, 5" driver-side lower, and 5" upper-center near the mirror. Note: For employer/fleet “video event recorders,” the law limits storage to about 30 seconds before/after a trigger event and requires notice; this does not impose a blanket limit on consumer dash cams.
• Vermont: 4"×12" lower-right windshield corner or 2"×2.5" upper-left.
• Nevada: The statute exempts a 6-inch square in the lower corner farthest from the driver for items displayed on the windshield; many compliance guides treat this as the only safe glass-mount zone for compact devices.

States with a Strict/Near-Ban on Windshield Devices

A few states have restrictions on attaching objects to the windshield:

• Minnesota: No objects can be suspended between the driver and the windshield except for mirrors/driver-feedback equipment in a narrow behind-mirror zone and a few other limited exceptions.
• New Jersey: No signs/posters/non-transparent material on the windshield or front side windows except for official stickers.
• Pennsylvania: No non-transparent material that obstructs the driver’s clear view except for official stickers.

States That Use a General Obstruction Standard

Most states skip a zone or dimension mandate in favor of a general obstruction standard that prohibits anything that limits the driver’s clear view of the road. This leaves the determination of any violations to law enforcement discretion.

Indiana: A 4"×4" exemption applies to stickers/non-transparent material, not equipment. Treat dash cams under the general obstruction rule.

Privacy Concerns and Recording Audio

While capturing video is one thing, recording audio is another. Depending on the state, using the sound recording feature in most dash cams can violate wiretapping and eavesdropping laws. Even transporting family members and friends doesn’t exempt you from applicable privacy statutes.

Most states have one-party consent, meaning recording is permitted if at least one person (you) allows the conversation to be recorded. As the name implies, all-party consent states require everyone involved in the conversation to agree to be recorded. Some states may have exemptions or conditions beyond these standards.

Ideal Dash Cam Mounting Locations

There are numerous options for mounting a dash cam in your vehicle besides the windshield. Just remember that not all locations are compliant with every state law covering windshield obstructions.

Behind the Rearview Mirror

Mounting a dash cam behind the rearview mirror is the least likely method for running afoul of applicable laws. The device doesn’t touch the windshield, and there’s no interference with the driver’s field of view. This placement aligns with Minnesota’s mirror-zone exception for safety/driver-feedback equipment and states (like California) that dictate specific device placement areas on the windshield. Using mirror-area hardware (like SUPERMOUNTS) keeps the camera off the windshield itself, which can reduce obstruction concerns in stricter jurisdictions.

Dash-Top

Securing a dash cam to the top of the dashboard also complies with most states’ general no-obstruction rules, but suction cup systems can degrade over time, making the device vulnerable to detachment. Be sure to avoid placing the unit near airbags or sensors.

Visor/Mirror

A dash cam can be mounted to a sun visor via a slide-on clip, but the visor will lose its functionality. Alternatively, some dash cameras can be secured to the bottom of the rearview mirror. However, depending on the device’s size and mounting hardware, such placement may impede the driver’s visibility, which can trigger a violation.

Stealthy & Legal: How SUPERMOUNTS Keeps You Compliant

The best type of dash cam mount eliminates most legal headaches from day one. That’s the idea behind SUPERMOUNTS, an integrated mounting system that seamlessly works with your vehicle’s rearview mirror housing. Its advantages include:

• Helps with compliance across most states’ windshield-obstruction and driver-visibility rules.
• Offers a high and centered mounting position in the least obtrusive location.
• Provides a seamless factory-like installation requiring only a few basic hand tools and a few minutes.
• Doesn’t require suction cups or mounting adhesives.
• Delivers a custom-engineered solution for dozens of popular models.
• Adaptable to other devices, like radar detectors.

FAQs: Are Dash Cams Legal in Every State?

Are dash cams legal in my state?

Yes, possession of a dash cam is legal in every state. However, some states have laws restricting the placement of any device on a windshield (or in specific areas of the windshield) or in a location that blocks the driver’s view. Further, in some states, recording a conversation with a dash camera can be against wiretapping and eavesdropping laws.

Do any states outright ban dash cams?

No. Any restrictions are about placement and privacy, not the cameras themselves.

Is it legal to record police during a traffic stop?

Generally, yes, you may record police activity in public, provided you do not interfere with their actions. Some states may require you to keep a certain distance if you’re standing near the activity.

Made for Dash Cams and More

SUPERMOUNTS offers a simple and secure method for mounting your dash cam, action camera, radar detector, and other devices. Unlike suction cups or adhesive-based systems, you won't have to worry about detachment. Discover your options at the RoadSpy store.

Read the RoadSpy Blog to learn about How Dash Cams Protect Your High-End Vehicle Investment, The Ultimate Buying Guide to Car Mounts for Cameras, Phones, and Radar Detectors, and other roadworthy topics.

Please note that this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always determine the applicable laws for your situation.