Yes, Dashcams are legal in China but subject to strict privacy and data protection laws enforced by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Recording in public spaces is permitted if it complies with the Data Security Law and Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), but dissemination of footage without consent violates regulations. Local authorities, such as the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, have issued guidelines requiring dashcam users to avoid capturing identifiable faces or license plates without anonymization.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in China
- Data Minimization & Consent: Under PIPL, dashcams must avoid recording identifiable individuals or vehicles without prior consent, except in public emergencies. The CAC’s 2025 Guidelines on Vehicle Data Processing mandate that footage be stored locally and encrypted, with no unauthorized sharing.
- Public vs. Private Spaces: Recording in private areas (e.g., residential driveways) without permission constitutes an invasion of privacy (Civil Code Article 1032). The MPS’s 2026 Traffic Safety Regulations prohibit dashcams from obstructing drivers’ views or interfering with traffic enforcement cameras.
- Cross-Border Data Transfers: Uploading dashcam footage to foreign servers triggers Data Security Law requirements for security assessments. The CAC’s 2024 Provisions on Automobile Data explicitly ban real-time cloud transmission of footage without local storage compliance.