UK holidaymakers who drive abroad with dashcams fitted into their car face risks of being hit with staggering fines.
A dashcam is the latest car accessory which can offer a watchful eye over your vehicle when you're not around. The onboard camera continually records the view through the front or rear windscreen, which can help identify anyone who attempts to steal or damage your car.
As the device is relatively new to the market, there are some facts about dashcams which you may not be aware of. For example, they are banned from some EU countries, meaning tourists who drive with the devices could be slapped with a fine of up to £9,000.
Luckily, the car experts at Hippo Leasing have revealed seven unexpected facts about dashcams. The car rental business have also spoken to insurance provider Adrian Flux for their take on how this gadget may lower insurance premiums.
Tom Preston, Founder of Hippo Leasing, says: “Having a dashcam 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.
"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 dashcams in the country or countries you visit to avoid inadvertently breaking the law.”
Here are seven little-known facts about dash cameras you should know about.
Seven unexpected things you should know about dash cams
1. Driving with a dashcam can lower your insurance premium
Gavin Hill, manager at insurance provider Adrian Flux, says: “With the rise in ‘crash for cash’ criminals, there’s never been a better time to install a dashcam 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 dashcam 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. Leaving your dash cam in your car could encourage theft
Mindful motorists will be wondering if leaving their dashcam on show in their vehicle will act as a theft deterrent or whether leaving this bit of tech on show will encourage thieves to break into their vehicle. The camera may be a sign to thieves that there could be other electronic devices in the vehicle or put them off attempting a break-in if they believe they could be filmed. You can simply disconnect the camera and place it in the glove compartment when the vehicle is not in use, but remember to reconnect it before any journey.
3. Avoid using your phone as a dashcam
There are several dashcam options available on the market with various memory card capabilities, but you can also look into downloading specialist dashcam apps and using your phone instead. The length of footage captured however will be limited with apps, so it is worth considering a reliable dash cam that can start recording as soon as your vehicle starts.
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. You can face a £200 fine if the dash cam blocks your view of the road
According to the Highway Code, windscreens and windows ‘must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision’ - or you could face a £200 fine and six penalty points. So when positioning your dashcam, be sure to place it in a way that does not obstruct your view of the road. Also, if the dashcam hinders your field of vision while driving, the footage recorded may be inadmissible if used in a court case in the eventuality of an incident.
So to avoid a fine, fit the dash camera in the centre at the bottom of the windshield or behind the rear view mirror to avoid obstructing your view whilst driving.
5. You’re legally obliged to inform others if the vehicle is not for personal use
Those who use a vehicle for the sole purpose of their job, such as taxi drivers, coach drivers, and even those using a company vehicle, must inform passengers that a dashcam is in use. This is because many dashcams will also record sound and the inside of the vehicle, which is a breach of privacy if passengers are unaware that they are being recorded. If the footage is then used without their consent, you can face legal consequences. You can purchase sticker signs to place inside the vehicle which will inform anyone entering that the vehicle is fitted with a dashcam.
6. Police can request your dash cam footage to prosecute you
Be aware that the use of a dashcam is a two-way street and the police can demand your footage as evidence to prosecute you. The memory card from the camera can be seized by authorities if they suspect that an offence has been committed, and many drivers have been caught out by their footage acting as evidence against them.
7. Make sure to check dash cam legislation before driving abroad
If you’re planning on driving abroad this summer, be sure to double-check the restrictions on dashcams in the country or countries you intend to drive in. Countries such as Austria and Portugal have a complete ban on the use of dash cams due to privacy laws, whilst in Luxembourg is it legal to own a dash cam but it is strictly prohibited to film in a public space.
While penalties for dashcams vary from country to country, the highest fine one could face is £9000 if you are caught with the gadget in Austria.
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