Yes, dashcams are legal in France under strict conditions. The Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) permits their use if recordings are limited to public roads, do not infringe privacy, and are not continuously stored. Explicit consent is not required for public spaces, but sharing footage publicly without blurring faces violates GDPR. Since 2023, the Code de la route has tightened rules on dashcam placement to avoid obstructing driver vision.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in France
- Privacy Compliance: Footage must not capture pedestrians or other drivers without legitimate need (e.g., accident evidence). Continuous recording is discouraged; event-triggered modes are preferred.
- Data Storage: Recordings may be kept for up to 30 days unless required for legal proceedings. Unauthorized dissemination (e.g., social media) risks fines under Article 226-2-1 du Code pénal.
- Placement Restrictions: Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with vehicle safety systems. Mounting on windscreens is permitted only if it does not obstruct the field of vision.
Violations may trigger investigations by the Gendarmerie Nationale or Police Nationale, with penalties ranging from €135 to €1,500 for non-compliance. The 2026 EU AI Act may further refine dashcam data processing rules, particularly for AI-enhanced features like automatic license plate recognition.