Dash cams are legal to use in Maryland. Drivers are permitted to install and operate dash cams in their vehicles, but there are specific rules regarding placement and recording that must be followed to remain compliant with state law.
Placement and Mounting Requirements
- No Obstruction of View: Maryland law requires that dash cams must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. The device should be mounted either behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard, provided it does not interfere with visibility.
- Windshield Guidelines: The dash cam must be placed above the AS-1 line or higher than 5 inches below the top of the windshield to avoid obstructing the driver’s view.
Audio Recording: Two-Party Consent
- Two-Party Consent State: Maryland is a two-party (all-party) consent state for audio recordings. This means all individuals involved in a conversation must consent to being recorded. If your dash cam records audio inside the vehicle, you must either turn off the audio feature or inform all passengers that they are being recorded to comply with the law.
- Implications: Recording audio without consent can result in legal penalties. However, it is legal to record video of public spaces, such as streets and parking lots, without audio consent.
Use of Dash Cam Footage in Court
- Admissibility: Dash cam footage is admissible in Maryland courts if it meets requirements for relevance, authenticity, and reliability. The footage must help prove something important in the case, be shown as real and unedited, and clearly depict the events in question.
- Self-Incrimination: Be aware that dash cam footage can be used both to support your account and, potentially, to incriminate you if it shows violations or unsafe driving.
Special Considerations
- Recording Police: You are allowed to record on-duty police officers in public spaces.
- Deleting Footage: It is unlawful to intentionally delete dash cam footage related to an accident.
- Border Crossings and Federal Property: Special rules may apply on federal property and at border crossings, where permission may be required to record.
Summary Table
| Regulation Area | Maryland Law/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dash cam usage | Legal, with restrictions |
| Placement | Must not obstruct driver’s view; mount above AS-1 line or behind mirror |
| Audio recording | All-party (two-party) consent required |
| Court admissibility | Footage must be relevant, authentic, and reliable |
| Recording police | Permitted in public spaces |
| Deleting footage | Illegal if related to an accident |
Dash cams are legal and commonly used in Maryland, provided they are installed so as not to obstruct the driver’s view and audio recording is only done with the consent of all parties. Video footage can be valuable in legal proceedings, but users must comply with consent laws and proper placement to avoid legal issues.
Sources:
- https://www.mymarylandauto.com/site/blog/dash-cams-the-silent-witness/
- https://www.marylandworkerscompensationlaw.com/car-accident/is-it-legal-to-have-a-dashcam-in-maryland/
- https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/are-dash-cams-legal-in-my-area-dash-cam-laws-in-every-us-state
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/understanding-dash-cam-regulations-in-maryland/