Yes, dashcams are legal in California, provided they comply with state privacy and vehicle code statutes. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) permits their use, but footage must not infringe on others’ privacy rights under Penal Code § 632. Local ordinances, such as those in San Francisco, may impose additional restrictions on continuous recording in public spaces. Failure to adhere to these rules risks civil liability or criminal penalties.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in California
- Audio Recording Consent: California’s two-party consent law (Penal Code § 632) requires all parties’ consent for audio recording. Dashcams capturing audio without consent violate this statute, even in vehicles.
- Mounting Restrictions: Vehicle Code § 26708 prohibits obstructing the driver’s view. Dashcams must be mounted outside the 12-inch perimeter of the windshield or on the dashboard/center console without blocking sightlines.
- Data Retention & Sharing: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and upcoming 2026 amendments restrict the sale or disclosure of dashcam footage containing biometric or personal data without explicit user consent.
Enforcement & Liability: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) may cite drivers for obstructing vision or illegal surveillance. Courts have upheld claims for invasion of privacy (e.g., Kearney v. Salomon Smith Barney, 2006) when dashcam footage captures private conversations without consent. Always disable audio recording in shared spaces and secure footage to mitigate legal exposure.