In this article, we’ll explore what a dash cam is and how it works, the different types of dash cams available, and the Florida laws related to using dash cams while driving.
What Is A Dash Cam?
A dash cam, or a dashboard camera, is a digital video recorder that you place in your vehicle’s front windshield, dashboard, or another location in the car. It is used to capture a person’s driving events on the road ahead. Many people purchase dash cams to act as an extra eye on the road and to provide protection in the event that the driver is involved in an accident. It can also be used to protect against theft and vandalism.
Dash cams come in several options that include different storage abilities and views. For example, some dash cams can record both the interior and exterior of the car and there are dash cams available in wide-angle and high definition. Additionally, some dash cams capture audio recordings in addition to video. Most dash cams will begin recording when the vehicle is turned on, as they are often hardwired into the vehicle’s electrical system. However, there are dash cams that can record continuously even when the vehicle is not on.
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How Do Dash Cams Work?
Dash cams work by recording road activity that is then stored on a memory card, internal memory, or on the Cloud. This allows the owner to easily download the dash cam footage when necessary. While most dash cams are powered by a cigarette lighter or are hardwired into a car, some are battery powered and will turn on automatically when motion is detected. Dash cams typically record on a continuous loop and create three-minute clips that are stored on an SD card.
Dash camscan provide many benefits to drivers, with the most common benefits being:
- Video footage of an accident
- Protection while parked and against vandalism and theft
- Encouragement for safer driving practices
- The ability to use the footage as videoevidence in car of a car accident
Types Of Dash Cams
There are a few primary types of dash cams that you can purchase for use in your vehicle.The most common types of dash cams include:
Traditional Dash Cam
This type of dash cam is a basic camera that is placed in the front of the windshield. This type of camera only records what is happening in front of the vehicle while it is driving. Some traditional dash cams have the ability to record while in parking mode and will record any activity that occurs while the vehicle is unoccupied.
Dual Camera Dash Cam
A dual camera dash cam is one that records activity both outside and inside of the vehicle at the same time. This type of dash cam relies on a removable storage media such as a micro SD card to save footage. Many dual camera dash cams will swivel to provide a full 360-degree view and feature two cameras.
Rear View Mirror Dash Cam
A rear view mirror dash cam is one that features the shape of a rearview mirror and goes on or over the existing rearview mirror in the vehicle.
Many dash cams are available with a number of features, with some of the most common being:
- G-sensors
- Loop recording
- Temperature resistant
- Night vision
- Built-in battery
- Remote viewing
- GPS system
- Applications for a smartphone
- Audio
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Dash Cam Laws In Florida
While dash cams are legal in Florida, there are a few key laws related to dash cams that you should be aware of before purchasing one. These laws include:
Florida Windshield ObstructionLaws
This law states that drivers cannot use their car if their view is obstructed. This means that if a dash cam is in the way of your view of the road, it is technically illegal and subject to a fine and a nonmoving violation by law enforcement.
Florida Electronic Audio Surveillance Law
This law is related to dash cameras that record audio and states that everyone who is being recorded must give consent to electronic surveillance. Breaking this law is considered a felony and can have severe consequences, so it’s important to ensure that anyone in the vehicle is notified that they are being recorded.
When Can You Use Dash Cam Footage?
Dash cam recordings can be used as evidence in the event of a caraccident. This means that if you are involved in an accident with another driver who is at-fault, you can use your dash cam footage to support your case when filing a claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. However, according to Florida law, dash cam footage cannot be used as a deciding factor in terms of the overall case judgment.
Additionally, Florida statutes require dash cams or videotapes to meet the following criteria to be admissible in a court of law:
- The video must show convincing and clear footage directly related to the facts about the case
- The video must be authentic and the person admitting the video to a case must swear under testimony to its authenticity
Dash cam evidence can be helpful in personal injury cases as they can show that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. This is especially useful when no other witnesses were present at the time of the accident and when the other driver denies negligence.
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If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence and want to know if your dash cam footage is admissible in your personal injury or auto accident case, you can discuss the details and your options with one of the expert attorneys at the law offices of Florin|Roebig. We can help you gather evidence and ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve following a car crash. Give us a call today at (800) 226-6581 for a 100% confidential and free consultation.
FAQs
Are you allowed to have a dash cam in Florida? ›
Florida is a one-party state for audio recording, meaning you can record something with a dash cam and it is legal. However, if you plan on recording with a dash cam and it is in a public place in Florida (i.e. a city street), you must inform others the recording is taking place with a verbal warning.
Can dash cam evidence be used in court? ›Dash Cam footage CAN be used as evidence in court, and has been used effectively over the past few years to prosecute and even hand out jail sentences A new resource, the National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDCSP), now allows people to send footage to the relevant police force along with a police report if they have ...
Can police seize my dashcam? ›Under the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act 1984 the police CAN take your Dash Cam if they believe footage on it can be used as evidence of, or in relation to an offence.
Do I have to let people know I have a dash cam? ›If you have a dash cam that can record audio. You have to alert any passengers in your vehicle that the camera is recording. This is also true if someone is working on your car, and the camera is on.
Can you record someone in your car in Florida? ›Florida Law Prohibits Secretly Recording Conversations & Secretly Installing Tracking Devices on Vehicles. It is a crime in Florida to record a conversation unless all parties taking part in the conversation know that they are being recorded. It is also a crime to place a secret tracking device on a vehicle.
Are dash cameras an invasion of privacy? ›So far, courts have ruled that dash cams are not an invasion of privacy. But many jurisdictions have laws restricting someone's voice or image without their consent. In other words, organizations must let their employees know if and how they're using rear-facing dash cams.
Should I submit dashcam footage to police? ›It's important that you submit your footage and statement as soon as possible. Most road traffic offences generally have a 6 months time limit for prosecution.
Can dash cam record when car is off? ›Modern dashcams can be set to record when the engine is turned off.
How long does footage stay on dash cam? ›A Dash Cam can hold approximately up to two hours' worth of recording on a 16GB Micro SD card before it overwrites the oldest recordings. This is when the Dash Cam is set at 1080p HD to record at 30 frames per second. This will provide enough room to capture any incidents and help prove you were not at fault.
Will my dashcam drain my battery? ›If you have the type of cigarette adapter that has an always power on button, then the dash cam will get power even when your vehicle is turned off and it will drain your car battery.
Where can you not use a dash cam? ›
| State | Dash Cam Legality |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No law prohibiting dash cams |
| Delaware | No law prohibiting dash cams |
| Florida | No law prohibiting dash cams |
| Georgia | No law prohibiting dash cams |
Where to Mount Your Dash Cam. Although all dash cams have wide angle lenses so that they maximize the field of view, they should be mounted in or near the middle of the front windshield so that an even field of view for the sides of the vehicle is recorded.
Is it worth having a rear dash cam? ›Just like when you're on the road, you need a rear dash cam to capture footage if someone backs into the rear of your car or a hit and run driver damages your vehicle. Interestingly, some drivers have reported that tailgaters tend to back off when they spot a rear-facing dash cam on the car in front of them.
How does dash cam parking mode work? ›Parking Mode monitors your car's surroundings while the car is parked and the engine is not running. It automatically begins saving to the microSD memory card when the external-facing camera detects motion, either visually or physically with its built-in motion detector.
Should I get a dash cam UK? ›Most authorities in the UK now accept dash cam footage as evidence. They can therefore be used to prevent future accidents by reporting reckless and dangerous drivers. Road rage, drink driving and other dangerous behaviour behind the wheel are prevalent.