Dash cam regulations in Washington state in 2025 permit the use of dashboard cameras, but come with specific rules to ensure safety and privacy.
Legality and Installation
Dash cams are legal in Washington and widely used as a tool for recording road conditions, accidents, and incidents. However, Washington prohibits mounting dash cams on the windshield when such placement obstructs the driver’s view.
According to Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 46.37.410, dash cams must be mounted on the dashboard or in a location that does not obstruct the driver’s visibility through the windshield. This law helps maintain clear sight lines for safe driving.
Audio Recording and Privacy
In Washington, audio recording inside the vehicle is subject to the state’s privacy laws. The law (RCW § 9.73.030) requires all-party consent for audio recordings. This means all occupants must agree to have their conversations recorded by a dash cam.
Without such consent, recording audio conversations inside the vehicle is illegal. Many dash cam users disable the microphone to comply with this rule, relying on video-only footage instead.
Use of Dash Cam Footage in Legal Proceedings
Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence in civil and criminal cases if it is obtained legally. Footage can help establish fault in traffic accidents or serve as evidence in other road-related disputes. However, the footage must be properly preserved and free of tampering to be accepted in court.
Mounting Best Practices
Mount the camera on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror but not on the windshield in a way that blocks the driver’s view.
The dash cam should not interfere with airbag deployment zones or distract the driver.
Ensure the field of vision is optimized to capture the road ahead without obstruction.
Additional Considerations
Washington residents typically have no expectation of privacy in public spaces, including streets and highways, so recording video footage of the road and the surroundings is lawful.
However, recording inside private spaces or capturing private conversations without consent is restricted.
Police may request dash cam footage for investigations but generally require a warrant or subpoena to compel its release.
Washington allows dash cams on vehicles with these key regulations:
| Aspect | Regulation in Washington State |
|---|---|
| Dash cam legality | Fully legal |
| Mounting location | Dashboard or non-obstructive positions only |
| Windshield mounting | Prohibited if blocking driver’s view |
| Audio recording | Requires all-party consent inside the vehicle |
| Footage admissibility | Allowed if legally obtained and preserved |
These rules strike a balance between protecting driver safety—by ensuring an unobstructed view—and respecting privacy rights. Dash cam owners should ensure their devices comply with these laws to use their footage effectively and legally on Washington roads.
Sources
[1] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
[2] https://www.expertmarket.com/dash-cams/dash-cam-laws-by-state
[3] https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.35&full=true
[4] https://elsnerlawfirm.com/are-dash-cameras-legal-in-washington-state/
[5] https://willdefendwa.com/dash-cam-evidence-in-court/
