Dash cams are increasingly popular among Pennsylvania drivers seeking protection and evidence for traffic disputes and insurance claims. However, installing and using these devices comes with specific legal considerations. Here is a comprehensive look at dash cam regulations in Pennsylvania—what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to ensure you use your dash cam within the law.
Are Dash Cams Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Pennsylvania. There is no state law explicitly prohibiting the use of dash cameras in vehicles. Drivers may install dash cams in their own vehicles, provided they comply with certain laws relating to privacy, mounting, and safe operation.
Mounting and Placement Requirements
Pennsylvania law prohibits installing any device on the vehicle’s windshield that obstructs the driver’s view. According to 75 Pa.C.S. § 4524(f)(2), dash cams should not be mounted in a way that blocks the windshield view—especially above certain heights or in the center area. That means:
Audio Recording Laws: Two-Party Consent Rule
Pennsylvania is a “two-party consent” state for recording conversations (Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act). If your dash cam records audio, you must inform and obtain consent from all passengers in the vehicle before recording their voices. Recording without their permission may result in criminal charges and could make dash cam footage inadmissible in court.
If you only record video (no audio), you do not need passenger consent. It’s good practice, though, to let occupants know if their journey is being documented.
Privacy Considerations
While dash cams are allowed on public roads, recording on private property without the owner’s consent is illegal. For example, avoid using dash cams to record faces through windows of other vehicles parked on private lots.
Use of Dash Cam Footage in Court
Dash cam video is generally admissible as evidence in Pennsylvania courts, provided the recording and installation comply with state laws. Footage can help clarify traffic accidents, contest insurance claims, and in rare cases, reveal misconduct by law enforcement or other motorists.
However, courts may toss out audio recordings made without the required consent, and footage from private property contexts may also face admissibility challenges.
Best Practices for Pennsylvania Drivers
Mount your dash cam where it won’t block your vision or airbag deployment.
Obtain all passengers’ explicit consent before recording audio.
Disable audio recording if unsure about passenger consent.
Do not use your dash cam screen while driving; it must not distract you.
Familiarize yourself with county or city ordinances—some local rules may supplement state law.
Notify passengers when trips are recorded, even if only video is captured.
Dash cams are fully legal for Pennsylvania motorists but using them requires attention to privacy, safety, and consent laws. By mounting devices properly and respecting audio consent requirements, drivers can benefit from dash cam protection while staying compliant with regulations. Always keep up to date with legal changes to remain on the right side of the law and maximize your dash cam’s effectiveness.
Sources
[1] https://www.tenforjustice.com/pennsylvania-dash-cam-laws-everything-that-drivers-should-know/
[2] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/19/understanding-dash-cam-regulations-in-pennsylvania/
[3] https://gibbonslegal.com/dash-cam-accidents/
[4] https://www.cooperschallandlevy.com/2024/01/29/the-role-of-dash-cams-in-car-accident-lawsuits/
[5] https://pa-injurylawyer.com/can-dash-cam-footage-be-used-as-evidence-in-a-pa-car-accident-case/
