Dash cams, which record video in real time while you drive, are becoming more and more common because they provide protection and proof in case of accidents, theft, or traffic stops.
But, like any other recording device, they can only be used in certain ways that are allowed by law. In North Carolina, rules about dash cams affect privacy, the admissibility of evidence, and driving safety.
It is important to know the rules about using a dash cam in North Carolina, whether you are a driver who wants to get one or a fleet owner who has cars all over the state.
Is It Legal to Install a Dash Cam in North Carolina?
Yes, you can legally put in and use a dash cam in North Carolina. This goes for both personal and business cars.
Even though the state does not have special rules about dash cams, there are laws that apply that are related. Some of these things to think about are blocking the view, private issues, and how footage is used in court cases.
Obstruction of View
North Carolina’s windscreen blocking law is a major rule that can affect how dash cams are installed.
As per North Carolina General Statutes (N.C. G.S. 20-127), drivers can not operate a vehicle if “any sign, poster, sticker, or other nontransparent material on the windscreen, side wings, or rear windows of the vehicle blocks their view.”
Even though dash cams are not specifically mentioned in the law, anything that gets in the way of a driver’s view could be considered a barrier.
To follow this rule, dash cams must be placed so that they do not get in the way of the driver’s view.
Most of the time, this means putting the device high on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror, out of the way of safe driving. If your dash cam is too big or in the middle of your windscreen, you could get a ticket or fine.
Audio Recording and Privacy
Recording sound is another important use of dash cams. Because North Carolina is a one-party consent state, at least one person in a talk must agree to the recording before it can happen.
When you are in your own car and recording talks with other people or conversations going on outside your car, you do not need their permission as long as you are taking part in the conversation.
But you should be careful when recording audio that includes other people, like rideshare riders or people outside the vehicle, like police officers during a traffic stop.
Legal under state law, these records can still cause problems or make people feel uncomfortable, so it is best to be honest and talk to passengers.
Dash Cam Footage and Legal Proceedings
In a car accident or legal case, dash cam video can be very helpful in figuring out who is at fault or making things clearer. In North Carolina, dash cam video can usually be used as proof in court as long as it meets the state’s standards for being reliable and relevant.
Dash cam footage may not be enough to prove a case by itself, though. It is usually used with other types of proof, like police reports or statements from witnesses.
Also, keep in mind that dash cam video can be used for or against you. It can help show that you were not at fault in an accident, but it could also show that you were driving recklessly, too fast, or while distracted.
So, drivers should be aware that the records from their dash cams could be looked at by the police or their insurance company.
Insurance and Dash Cams
Some people in North Carolina are curious about whether or not adding a dash cam will lower their car insurance costs. At the moment, North Carolina insurance companies do not offer direct discounts for using a dash cam.
However, having video can help you file a claim. Dash cams can help settle disagreements faster and give solid proof of what happened during an accident, which can help you if your insurance company is investigating.
Commercial Vehicles and Dash Cams
For businesses that run industrial fleets, dash cams have extra benefits, like keeping an eye on how drivers act and protecting the business in case of accidents or false claims.
Commercial car owners in North Carolina should also make sure that their dash cam installations follow all state and federal rules, especially those that deal with driver privacy and blocking the windscreen.
Conclusion
It is legal to use a dash cam in North Carolina. These cameras can help in many ways, from keeping drivers safe after an accident to giving important evidence in court cases.
Yet, drivers should be aware of the state’s laws about blocking the windscreen and the one-party consent rule for recording sounds. Even though dash cam video is often allowed in court, you should keep in mind that it can be used against you as well as for you.
Having an extra set of eyes on the road can give you peace of mind, but only if you place your dash cam correctly and use it properly.
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