Yes, dashcams are legal in Spain under strict data protection and traffic regulations. Recordings are permitted for personal use if they do not infringe privacy rights, but sharing footage publicly without consent violates GDPR and Organic Law 3/2018. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) enforces compliance, particularly regarding third-party rights.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Spain
- Consent Requirement: Recording conversations or images of identifiable individuals in public spaces without explicit consent violates Article 5 of Organic Law 3/2018. Passengers must be informed if dashcams are active.
- Data Minimization: Footage must be stored securely and deleted within 30 days unless used for legal claims, per AEPD guidelines. Unnecessary retention risks sanctions.
- Traffic Law Compliance: Dashcams cannot obstruct the driver’s view (Article 18.1 of the Road Traffic Regulation). Mounting must not interfere with vehicle safety systems.
Failure to adhere may result in fines up to €30,000 for severe privacy breaches. The AEPD’s 2024 guidelines emphasize proportionality—dashcams are permissible for accident evidence but not for surveillance. Local traffic authorities (e.g., DGT) may impose additional restrictions in urban zones.