Legality of Dash Cams
- Dash cams are legal to use in Arkansas for both private and commercial vehicles.
Mounting and Placement Requirements
- The key regulation is that dash cams must be installed in a way that does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road.
- The recommended and legal placement is behind the rearview mirror, where the device is concealed and does not block the driver’s field of vision.
- Mounting a dash cam anywhere on the windshield or dashboard that impedes the driver’s clear view is illegal and may result in fines.
Windshield Obstruction Law
- Arkansas law prohibits operating a vehicle with any substance or material (other than legally required decals and mirrors) that obstructs the windshield.
- This means any dash cam or device that covers the windshield with something non-transparent is not permitted.
Audio and Video Recording
- Video recording in public spaces, such as roads, is legal in Arkansas.
- Arkansas is a one-party consent state for audio recordings, meaning you can record conversations as long as one party (which can be you) consents. However, it is best practice to inform passengers if audio is being recorded to avoid privacy concerns.
Use of Dash Cam Footage
- Dash cam footage is admissible in court as long as it was obtained legally, following the mounting and recording consent rules.
Summary Table
| Regulation Area | Arkansas Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dash Cam Legality | Legal |
| Placement | Behind rearview mirror; must not obstruct driver’s view |
| Windshield Obstruction | Illegal to block windshield with non-transparent objects |
| Audio Recording | One-party consent (inform passengers for best practice) |
| Court Admissibility | Legal if obtained in compliance with laws |
Key Takeaways
- Mount your dash cam behind the rearview mirror and ensure it does not block your view of the road.
- Do not place any non-transparent object on your windshield that could obstruct your vision.
- You may record video and audio, but inform passengers if possible to avoid privacy issues.
- Dash cam footage is allowed in court if collected legally.
Following these guidelines will help you stay compliant with Arkansas dash cam laws and avoid potential fines or legal issues.
Sources:
- https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
- https://www.expertmarket.com/dash-cams/dash-cam-laws-by-state
- https://gpstrackit.com/blog/what-are-the-dashcam-regulations-in-each-state/
- https://facit.ai/insights/dash-cam-laws-by-state
- https://www.gpsinsight.com/blog/are-dash-cameras-legal-in-commercial-vehicles/
- https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/are-dash-cams-legal-in-my-area-dash-cam-laws-in-every-us-state
