Drivers with dash cams are being warned that improperly placing the devices on your windshield could result in a hefty fine, licence points and a possible dangerous driving charge.
The recording device, which allows motorists to record their point of view on the road in case of accidents, must be placed in specific areas on the window.
According to motoring experts at Road Angel, who have issued a fresh reminder over cam placement, they must stay out of the "red zone" that blocks the driver's view. Failure to do so could land you with a £200 fine, three penalty points and even a dangerous driving charge in Scotland.
The Highway Code clearly states that dash cams must not block any view of the road ahead as the windscreen must be kept free from any obstructions to vision.
As reported by My London News, a Road Angel spokesperson said that despite the benefits of installing a dash cam, it’s really important to know specifically where to place one on the windscreen.
Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel said: "Putting the dash cam in a position which blocks any vision for you whilst driving is an absolute no-go - you can be subject at the very minimum to three penalty points on your licence.
"Improper placement could also cause you to be charged with dangerous driving and not having proper control of the vehicle - which could mean going to court with an unlimited fine and potential driving ban.
"I know that many of us are tempted to put the dash cam in our line of sight because the screen seems like it should be there for us to look at - but this could easily lead to distractions and dangerous driving. It’s why we don’t recommend buying a dash cam with a screen."
Dash cams are a useful tool to help improve road safety, as they can provide video evidence in the case of an accident. They are only fitted by the car's owner with suction cups, so it is very easy to put them in the wrong place.
As well as being reliable in emergencies, insurance companies will also often give out discounts for those who install a dash cam - favouring those motorists who are willing to commit to safety.
The Department for Transport further states that dash cams cannot be placed any more than 40mm into the swept area of the windscreen wipers (zone 'B') and no more than 10mm of intrusion of zone 'A'.
Zone 'X' is the danger zone and any dash cam placed here will mean the motorist is subject to serious driving offences as it will obstruct a clear vision of the road ahead.
While dash cams should be on the windscreen in order to capture the best perspective of everything going on, they cannot block the motorist's line of sight in any way.
If placed incorrectly, drivers will be breaking the law and any footage could be deemed as unreliable if the dash cam was blocking full view of the road ahead.
Experts have found that drivers want to fit dash cams in their line of sight because they feel the screen of the dash cam must be there for looking at. However, the best place for these safety recording devices is at the top centre of the windscreen, next to the rear view mirror.
This way the camera can still record a full view of both sides of the road ahead, while not blocking any view for the driver. A dash cam in the wrong place may mean drivers lose proper control of their vehicle, causing danger to all other road users, and hefty penalties.
"The best place to put your dash cam is up high up right by your rear view mirror, that way the camera can capture both sides of the road and doesn’t cause any obstruction," Gary added.
"Any footage which was captured from a dash cam blocking the view of the road ahead could be deemed as insufficient and actually be used against you for driving dangerously without clear vision.
"Dash cams are a great safety addition to all vehicles; but it’s crucial to understand where you should place one - at the top of your windscreen next to the rear view mirror is the best spot.
"It’ll capture a clear view of all the road ahead without being an obstruction to the driver. Otherwise, risk three penalty points on your licence, or being heavily penalised for dangerous driving."
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