Yes, dashcams are legal in Maine, provided they comply with state privacy and traffic laws. Maine does not prohibit their use, but recordings must not infringe on others’ reasonable expectations of privacy, particularly in private spaces. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has not issued formal dashcam-specific regulations, though broader surveillance statutes apply. Local law enforcement may issue guidance on placement to avoid obstructing views.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Maine
- Privacy Restrictions: Maine’s Wiretap Statute (15 M.R.S. § 710) prohibits recording private conversations without consent. Dashcams may not capture audio in private settings (e.g., inside homes) unless all parties agree. Video-only recordings are generally permissible.
- Windshield Obstruction: Maine’s Title 29-A § 1920 prohibits windshield obstructions that impair driver visibility. Dashcams must be mounted outside the driver’s line of sight (e.g., lower corner of the windshield or dashboard) to avoid citations.
- Data Retention & Use: While Maine has no specific retention laws, recordings should not be shared publicly without redaction to protect identities, per 14 M.R.S. § 7101 (right of publicity). Law enforcement may request footage in investigations, but voluntary disclosure to third parties (e.g., insurers) requires caution.
Note: As of 2026, the Maine BMV has not proposed dashcam-specific rules, but compliance with evolving privacy laws (e.g., Act to Protect Personal Information) remains critical. Drivers should monitor updates from the BMV or Maine Legislature.