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Dash Cam Laws in the UK: Is It Legal and Can You Use Footage?

Car Owl

Published in English •

Summary

  • Dash cams are completely legal in the UK: You can record on public roads without permission.
  • Footage can be used as evidence: Police and insurers accept dash cam footage for accidents and crimes.
  • Mounting position matters: The camera must not obstruct your view. See our dash cam benefits guide for setup advice.

Dash cams have become incredibly popular in the UK. They protect against insurance fraud, prove who was at fault in an accident, and can even catch criminals.

But are they legal? And can the footage actually be used? Here's the full picture.

Yes. There is no law against using a dash cam on UK roads. You can record:

  • On any public road or highway
  • In public car parks
  • Your own driveway and property

You do NOT need permission to record other road users in public spaces.

Dash Cam Mounting Rules

The only legal requirement for mounting is that the camera must not:

  • Obstruct your view of the road: Mount it behind the rear-view mirror or in the top corner of the windscreen.
  • Protrude beyond the windscreen sweep area: The wipers must be able to clear the glass in front of the camera.

If a dash cam obstructs your view during an MOT, it could cause a fail.

Using Dash Cam Footage as Evidence

With Police

Police accept dash cam footage and actively encourage it. You can submit footage of:

  • Dangerous driving
  • Hit and run incidents
  • Road rage
  • Insurance fraud (crash for cash)

Most police forces have online portals for submitting footage. The National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSP) is available in many areas.

With Insurers

Insurance companies welcome dash cam footage. It can:

  • Prove who was at fault in an accident
  • Speed up claim processing
  • Protect against fraudulent claims

GDPR and Privacy Rules

Dash cam footage captures other people, which means GDPR applies:

  • Personal use: If you're recording for your own personal use (driving evidence, insurance), GDPR has limited impact.
  • Sharing footage online: Posting footage on social media that identifies individuals (faces, number plates) could breach GDPR if done without good reason.
  • Recording private property: Don't point your camera at neighbours' houses or private spaces. This could lead to complaints.

As a general rule, recording on public roads for personal safety is fine. But think twice before sharing footage online that identifies other people.

Do Dash Cams Lower Insurance?

Some insurers offer a small discount (5–15%) for having a dash cam fitted. Others don't offer a direct discount but will use the footage to process claims faster and avoid disputes.

It's always worth mentioning your dash cam when getting insurance quotes.

Choosing the Right Dash Cam

  • Resolution: 1080p minimum. 4K is better for reading number plates.
  • Night vision: Essential for recording in low light.
  • GPS: Records your speed and location. Useful for evidence.
  • Parking mode: Records bumps and movement when parked.
  • Loop recording: Automatically overwrites old footage so you never run out of storage.

Read our other articles:

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