Yes, dashcams are legal in Taiwan, but their use is governed by strict privacy and traffic regulations enforced by the National Communications Commission (NCC) and Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). Recording in public spaces requires compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), while in-vehicle use must avoid infringing on others’ privacy. Recent 2026 amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act further clarify permissible recording conditions.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Taiwan
- Privacy Compliance: Dashcams must not record audio or video of individuals without consent in private spaces (e.g., residential areas), per the PDPA. Public road recordings are permissible but must not target specific persons for harassment or defamation.
- Traffic Enforcement: Footage may be submitted as evidence in traffic disputes, but courts may reject recordings deemed overly intrusive or obtained illegally. The MOTC’s 2026 guidelines prohibit dashcams obstructing driver visibility or interfering with vehicle safety systems.
- Data Retention: Recorded data must be deleted within 30 days unless required for legal proceedings. Unauthorized sharing or commercial use of footage violates the PDPA, with penalties up to NT$2 million (≈US$65,000).
Enforcement and Penalties: Violations may result in fines, evidence inadmissibility, or criminal charges under the PDPA. The NCC conducts periodic audits of dashcam manufacturers to ensure compliance with broadcasting and data storage standards. Foreign-registered vehicles must also adhere to these rules when operating in Taiwan.