Yes, dashcams are legal in Arkansas, provided they comply with state privacy and traffic laws. The Arkansas State Police Traffic Safety Division permits their use, but recordings cannot infringe on others’ reasonable expectations of privacy. Local ordinances in cities like Little Rock or Fayetteville may impose additional restrictions, particularly regarding audio recording without consent.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Arkansas
- Two-Party Consent for Audio: Arkansas is a “one-party consent” state for audio recordings (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-60-120), meaning you may record conversations you are part of, but capturing others’ private communications without their knowledge in public spaces could violate privacy expectations.
- No Obstruction of View: Dashcams must not block the driver’s forward field of vision (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-36-202). Mounting devices on the windshield is permitted only if placed outside the driver’s line of sight per the 2023 Arkansas Department of Transportation guidelines.
- Use in Legal Proceedings: Recordings are admissible as evidence in civil or criminal cases, but improperly obtained footage (e.g., violating wiretapping laws) may be excluded under the Arkansas Rules of Evidence.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, have issued advisories cautioning against recording in private areas (e.g., residential driveways) without explicit permission. The Arkansas General Assembly’s 2026 session may introduce further clarifications on dashcam usage in commercial vehicles, aligning with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards. Always verify county-specific ordinances, as municipal restrictions (e.g., Little Rock’s traffic code) may supersede state law.