If you’ve ever considered purchasing a dash cam for your car, you may have hesitated because of concerns about its legality or potential impact on your warranty. However, these are common misconceptions that we aim to clarify in this blog post. Join us as we explore the legality of dash cams and their effects on your car warranty, so that you can make an informed decision about this valuable investment.
Are Dash Cams Legal? Does It Void My Warranty? | BlackboxMyCar
Introduction
Dashboard cameras, commonly known as “dash cams,” have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their numerous benefits. Dash cams are small, discreet cameras mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of a vehicle, recording footage of the road, surrounding vehicles, and any incidents that occur during the journey. Although widely accepted in some countries, many people in the US and Canada are still unsure about their legality and whether or not dash cams will void their car warranties. This article will answer some of these questions in detail.
The Legality of Dash Cams
Dash cams are legal in both the US and Canada with some restrictions. The law varies from state to state in the US, but generally, you’re allowed to record videos of public spaces, including roads, sidewalks, and buildings. However, in most states, it is illegal to record audio without the consent of both parties. In Canada, it is legal to record video and audio as long as it’s in a public place with no expectation of privacy, but it is essential to check the specific laws governing the province or territory.
Dash Cams and Car Warranty
Many people are worried that installing a dash cam on their cars may void their warranties. It’s a common misconception that installing any aftermarket accessory will void your car’s warranty, but this isn’t true. If you install a dash cam using a plug-and-play setup, you’re unlikely to face any warranty issues. However, if you hardwire your dash cam, you may cause problems with your warranty. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act in the US and Consumer Protections Act in Canada protect consumers against deceptive warranty practices. Therefore, if the dash cam installation resulted in a warranty denial, the manufacturer must prove that the dash cam caused the issue, and not the installation process.
Placement of Dash Cams
Dash cam placement is crucial to ensure no obstruction to the driver’s view. Careful consideration of where the dash cam is mounted is required. The dash cam should not block the driver’s view of the road or interfere with the vehicle’s airbag system. Popular dash cams usually come with a discreet design that can be easily mounted behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard.
Benefits of Using Dash Cams
Apart from recording accidents and incidents, dash cams can enhance your overall safety on the road. With the footage from your dash cam, you can effectively train safer driving habits and create a safer driving environment. Dash cams can also provide important evidence in the event of a vehicle collision, a hit-and-run, or insurance fraud. Ultimately, dash cams can help improve the safety and security of you and your vehicle while providing peace of mind on the road.
Conclusion
Dash cams are legal in both the US and Canada with certain restrictions, and using plug-and-play or OBD power cable setup is unlikely to void your warranty. The careful positioning of your dash cam can ensure that it won’t interfere with any critical driving systems or obstruct your view of the road. With the above information, it’s clear that having a dash cam in your vehicle is a smart choice to promote your safety and protection on the road.
5 FAQs On Dash Cams
- Can I record audio with my dash cam?
- It’s legal to record audio in most states with the consent of both parties. However, you need to check your local laws as some may have different regulations.
- Will installing a dash cam void my car’s warranty?
- Installing a dash cam using a plug-and-play or OBD power cable setup is unlikely to void your car’s warranty. But hardwiring may cause issues.
- Are there any restrictions on the placement of the dash cam?
- Yes, the dash cam should not obstruct the driver’s view of the road or interfere with critical driving systems like airbags or the defrost mechanism.
- What benefits can dash cams provide?
- Dash cams can help enhance your safety and security on the road by recording accidents or other incidents, training safer driving habits, and providing useful evidence in the event of a collision or insurance fraud.
- Can I install a dash cam myself, or do I need professional help?
- Installing a dash cam can be easy, especially if you’re using a plug-and-play or OBD power cable setup. However, if you decide to hardwire the dash cam, you may require professional installation assistance.
