Yes, dashcams are legal in Hawaii, but their use is governed by strict privacy and recording laws. Drivers may install dashcams for safety, provided they comply with state surveillance statutes and avoid recording audio without consent.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Hawaii
- Two-party consent for audio: Hawaii’s wiretapping law (HRS § 803-42) requires all parties’ consent for audio recordings, making in-cabin audio capture illegal without explicit permission from occupants.
- No obstruction of view: Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s line of sight per Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) regulations, with violations subject to fines under HRS § 291-11.
- Data retention limits: Under 2026 amendments to HRS § 291-11.5, law enforcement may request dashcam footage within 30 days of an incident, after which drivers must delete recordings unless subpoenaed.
Local enforcement prioritizes privacy over surveillance; improper audio recording risks misdemeanor charges. HDOT’s 2025 advisory clarifies that dashcams mounted on windshields must adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 205) to avoid windshield obstruction penalties. Drivers should disable audio recording in shared vehicles or post clear notices to mitigate consent-related disputes.