Motorists travelling abroad have been warned that they could be unintentionally breaking the law if they have a dashcam fitted to their car.
In some EU countries, dashcams are banned and using them could result in a hefty fine, according to leasing service Hippo Leasing. However, Insurance provider Adrian Flux has noted that using a dash cam can come with its benefits.
Tom Preston, Founder of Hippo Leasing said: “Having a dash cam in your vehicle is the best way to protect yourself in the event of an accident or an insurance claim. Not only can the footage captured be used to bring premiums down, it can also be used as vital evidence in court.
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"We would recommend motorists be mindful of where they position their dash cam gadget so as not to obstruct their view of the road, and to put it away into the glove compartment when the vehicle is not in use in order to deter thieves. For those planning on driving abroad this summer, be sure to double check legislation for recording on dash cams in the country or countries you visit to avoid inadvertently breaking the law.”
Here are seven key things you need to know about the risks of using a dash cam in your car while on holiday.
1. Driving with a dash cam can lower your insurance premium
Gavin Hill, manager at insurance provider Adrian Flux said: “With the rise in ‘crash for cash’ criminals, there’s never been a better time to install a dash cam in your vehicle. Not only can it provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident, but it can also help to lower your annual premium too.
"That video footage can not only help settle a claim quickly and avoid lots of added stress at an already upsetting time. But having a dash cam in the first place can lead to discounts of up to 15% off the cost of your insurance because car insurance companies know how beneficial the technology is for all parties concerned.”
2. Dash cams can encourage vehicle theft
While dash cams exist to help prevent dangers and threats, they can inadvertently do the opposite. Having a dash cam on display may be a sign to wondering thieves that there are other electronic devices in the vehicle.
To help avoid this you can simply disconnect the dash cam and put it in the glove compartment while the vehicle is not in use.
3. Refrain from using a phone as a dash cam
While there are special apps for phones that allow them to act as a dash cam, it is probably best to avoid this and buy a proper dash cam. Gavin Hill also says: “Any material that helps prove a driver’s innocence if there is a dispute over the cause of a crash is usually well received.
"However, we would strongly recommend that drivers continue to use conventional in-car cameras to capture their journeys while remembering to always adhere to laws about mobile phone usage while behind the wheel too.”
4. Dash cams could result in a £200 fine
According to the Highway Code, windscreens and windows "must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision". If a dash cam blocks your view of the road, it runs the risk of resulting in a £200 fine and six penalty points on your license.
To avoid this, ensure your dash cam is fitted in the centre at the bottom of the windshield or behind the rearview mirror.
5. You must tell others if the vehicle is not for personal use
If you use a vehicle for work such as a taxi driver, coach driver, or company vehicle, you must inform passengers if a dash cam s in use. This is because dash cams breach passengers' privacy if they are unaware if they're being recorded which could result in legal consequences.
To avoid any issues, ensure you place up sticker signs inside the vehicle informing passengers that a dash cam is fitted.
6. Police can request footage from the dash cam to prosecute you
Police have the legal right to seize the memory card from a dash cam if they suspect an offence has been committed which may catch drivers off-guard.
7. When abroad, check the country's laws regarding dash cams
It's important to ensure that dash cams are legal in the country you're visiting. Countries such as Austria and Portugal have a straight-up ban on the use of dash cams due to privacy laws.
Meanwhile, in places like Luxembourg, it is legal to use a dash cam but it cannot film in a public space.
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