Dash cams have become widely popular among Utah drivers for safety and legal protection. Understanding Utah’s dash cam regulations in 2025 ensures that users use these devices legally and effectively.
Legality of Dash Cams in Utah
Dash cams are legal in Utah and can be mounted on windshields and dashboards. The state allows drivers to install dash cams on the windshield, but they must be positioned near the top and must not extend more than 4 inches down from the upper edge. This placement rule aims to prevent obstruction of the driver’s view, which could pose a safety hazard and lead to fines.
Mounting Restrictions
Utah law requires that any device, including a dash cam, installed on or over car windows must not obstruct the driver’s clear view of the road. Mounting a dash cam too low or in the center of the windshield where it interferes with visibility is prohibited. Common legal mounting areas include the upper corner of the driver’s side or the top center behind the rearview mirror, as long as the dash cam does not hang below the 4-inch limit.
Audio and Video Recording Considerations
Recording video footage using dash cams is allowed, and such footage can serve as valuable evidence in accident claims or legal disputes. However, audio recording rules follow Utah’s one-party consent law, meaning a driver can record audio if at least one person involved consents—which can be the driver themselves. Recording conversations without consent in private settings can violate privacy laws, so caution is advised when using audio features.
Footage from dash cams has been increasingly admitted in court cases, especially when it clearly shows accident circumstances or wrongdoing by other drivers.
Practical Benefits of Using Dash Cams
Dash cams provide a record of events in case of accidents, hit-and-runs, or insurance fraud. Many Utahns use dash cams to capture unsafe driving, vandalism, or police interactions. Because Utah is a one-party consent state, drivers generally have legal protections when using dash cams, assuming they do not obstruct driving view or record private conversations unlawfully.
Potential Legal Risks
Improper placement that blocks the driver’s vision can lead to traffic citations. Some drivers have reported fines for mounting dash cams on the windshield outside prescribed legal areas. Also, recording audio conversations without consent beyond driver-only situations might result in legal challenges.
It is advisable to disable audio recording unless required and always position the camera where it complies with state law to avoid penalties.
Utah permits the use of dash cams with guidelines focused on keeping the driver’s view unobstructed and respecting audio recording consent laws. Properly mounted dash cams near the top of the windshield (not extending more than 4 inches down) are legal and widely accepted. With growing benefits for driver protection, dash cams are a valuable tool in Utah, provided users follow mounting and privacy regulations to stay compliant with state law.
Sources
(https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/)
(https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/are-dash-cams-legal-in-my-area-dash-cam-laws-in-every-us-state)
(https://facit.ai/insights/dash-cam-laws-by-state)
(https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/)
(https://star981.com/rules-utah-sticking-camera-on-windshield/)
