Yes, dashcams are legal in Kentucky, but their use is subject to privacy and data retention laws enforced by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office. Drivers may record audio and video in public spaces, yet consent is required for recording private conversations under KRS 526.020. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet prohibits dashcams from obstructing the driver’s view or interfering with vehicle safety systems.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Kentucky
- Privacy Restrictions: Recording audio in private areas (e.g., inside homes) violates Kentucky’s wiretapping statute unless all parties consent. Video recording in public is permissible, but dissemination of footage may trigger defamation claims if misused.
- Data Retention Limits: The Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870) does not explicitly govern dashcam footage, but agencies must disclose recordings if requested, unless exempt under privacy exemptions. Local law enforcement may impose retention policies under 2026 updates to municipal transparency ordinances.
- Mounting Requirements: Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s forward view per KRS 189.020(3). The Kentucky State Police recommend adhesive mounts placed below the rearview mirror to avoid windshield obstructions. Commercial fleet operators face additional scrutiny under Kentucky’s Commercial Driver’s License regulations.