Dash cams are increasingly popular among New Jersey drivers for documenting road incidents and protecting against liability. However, their use is governed by specific state laws regarding placement, privacy, and admissibility in court.
Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and make the most of your dash cam in New Jersey.
Are Dash Cams Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, dash cams are legal to own and use in New Jersey. However, their installation and use must comply with state-specific regulations regarding windshield obstruction and privacy.
Mounting and Placement Regulations
- Windshield Obstruction: New Jersey law prohibits mounting non-transparent objects—including dash cams—on the windshield, driver’s side window, or passenger’s side glass if they obstruct the driver’s view. Improper placement can result in fines.
- Recommended Placement: To comply with the law, dash cams should be installed on the dashboard or on the passenger-side of the windshield, positioned so they do not interfere with the driver’s line of sight.
- Best Practice: Mount your dash cam low on the dashboard or in the lower corner of the passenger-side windshield to avoid potential violations.
Audio and Video Recording Laws
- Video Recording: Video recording in public spaces, such as roads and highways, is generally permitted.
- Audio Recording: New Jersey is an “all-party consent” state for audio recording. This means you must obtain the consent of all parties being recorded if your dash cam captures audio. Failing to do so can violate state privacy laws and render the recording inadmissible in court.
- Passenger Notification: If you have passengers in your vehicle, you should inform them that audio and video may be recorded to comply with consent requirements.
Dash Cam Footage as Evidence in Court
- Admissibility: Dash cam footage is admissible in New Jersey courts if it is relevant, authentic, and collected in compliance with state laws.
- Requirements: The footage must be properly mounted (not obstructing the driver’s view), and any audio recording must have the consent of all recorded parties.
- Authenticity: You may need to demonstrate when and where the footage was recorded and confirm it has not been tampered with.
Key Takeaways
| Regulation Area | Requirement/Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mounting/Placement | Must not obstruct driver’s view; place on dashboard or passenger-side windshield |
| Audio Recording | All-party consent required; inform passengers if recording audio |
| Video Recording | Permitted in public spaces |
| Evidence in Court | Footage admissible if legally obtained and relevant |
Dash cams are legal and can be valuable tools for New Jersey drivers, but they must be installed so as not to obstruct your view and used in accordance with privacy laws.
Always mount your dash cam on the dashboard or passenger-side windshield, and obtain consent before recording audio. Properly collected footage can be powerful evidence in the event of an accident or dispute.
Sources:
- https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
- https://facit.ai/insights/dash-cam-laws-by-state
- https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/newjersey/comments/cdqrvl/what_are_the_exact_laws_on_dash_cams_in_nj_cant/
- https://nagelrice.com/impacts-of-dash-cam-footage-on-car-accident-cases-in-new-jersey/