Yes, Maryland law permits dashcams under strict privacy and consent parameters. Drivers may record public roadways but cannot capture audio without two-party consent under state wiretapping statutes. Local jurisdictions, including Montgomery County, enforce additional signage requirements for commercial dashcam use. Failure to comply risks civil penalties or evidentiary exclusion in court.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Maryland
- Two-Party Consent for Audio: Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 10-402 mandates all parties in a conversation must consent to audio recording. Dashcams capturing interior audio without notice violate this statute.
- No Obstruction of View: Md. Transp. Code § 21-1045 prohibits devices mounted within 6 inches of the windshield’s edge or obstructing the driver’s line of sight, including dashcams with protruding mounts.
- Commercial Fleet Restrictions: Baltimore City and Prince George’s County require commercial vehicles (e.g., rideshares, delivery trucks) to display visible signage notifying passengers of dashcam recording, per local ordinances effective 2024.
Violations may trigger fines up to $500 under Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 10-405, while improperly obtained footage could be inadmissible in civil or criminal proceedings. Law enforcement agencies, including the Maryland State Police, have issued 2026 guidance clarifying that dashcams mounted on rearview mirrors are permissible if they do not impair driver visibility. Always verify county-specific rules, as Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties impose additional decal requirements for rideshare dashcams.