Dash cams are legal to own and use in South Carolina. However, the state law requires specific rules for mounting and usage to ensure driver safety and avoid distractions. The essential regulation is that dash cams must be mounted on the dashboard — not on the windshield or any window of the vehicle. The goal is to prevent any obstruction of the driver’s clear view of the road while driving.
Mounting Restrictions
South Carolina explicitly prohibits dash cams from being mounted on the windshield or side windows. Installing a dash cam on the dashboard is required so that it does not interfere with the driver’s line of sight. This regulation aligns with the broader state efforts to reduce distracted driving risks and accidents caused by obstructed visions.
Recording and Privacy Considerations
South Carolina requires single-party consent for audio recording. This means that if a driver records audio inside the vehicle via the dash cam, it is legal as long as one party to the conversation consents to the recording — usually the driver themselves. However, recording private conversations without consent can raise privacy concerns. Dash cam footage should be authentic and unaltered to be admissible as legal evidence.
Use of Dash Cam Footage in Legal Proceedings
Dash cam videos can be valuable evidence in traffic accident cases or insurance claims in South Carolina. The footage may help clarify fault or the sequence of events leading to an accident. Courts typically accept dash cam evidence if it is relevant, authentic, and unedited. Drivers should preserve the original video and be prepared to provide it when needed.
Relationship with South Carolina’s Hands-Free Law
The state’s Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, effective September 1, 2025, emphasizes reducing distracted driving by banning the holding or supporting of mobile electronic devices while driving. While this mainly targets phones and tablets, the regulation coexists with dash cam laws by underscoring safety. Proper dash cam installation that doesn’t interfere with driving complies with these safety goals.
Benefits and Considerations of Using a Dash Cam
Dash cams offer protection for drivers against fraudulent insurance claims or staged accidents. They also encourage safer driving behavior knowing that actions are recorded. On the downside, the cost of installation and periodic maintenance (like memory card replacements) are considerations. Nonetheless, many South Carolina drivers find dash cams to be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
In South Carolina, dash cams are legal but must be mounted on the dashboard to avoid obstructing the driver’s view. Audio recording is allowed with single-party consent, but privacy concerns still apply.
Dash cam footage can be critical evidence in legal and insurance processes if kept authentic and unaltered. These rules complement South Carolina’s broader distracted driving laws to enhance road safety in 2025.
Drivers interested in using dash cams should ensure devices comply with state regulations and install them properly to avoid legal issues while benefiting from the protection dash cams can provide on the road.
