Yes, dashcams are legal in Massachusetts, provided they comply with state privacy laws and vehicle regulations. The Bay State permits their use for safety and evidence, but restrictions apply to audio recording and placement to protect privacy rights.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Massachusetts
- Placement restrictions: Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s view under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 13. Mounting on the windshield is permitted only if it does not interfere with the driver’s line of sight or violate local ordinances.
- Audio recording limitations: Massachusetts is a two-party consent state (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, § 99). Recording audio without consent from all occupants is illegal, including passengers in a vehicle.
- Data retention and sharing: Dashcam footage may be used for legal proceedings but must adhere to privacy protections. The 2026 Massachusetts Data Privacy Act draft proposals suggest stricter handling of biometric and recorded data, though enforcement remains pending.