Yes, dash cams are legal for private use in Wisconsin. They are commonly used by drivers to record the road and can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident or dispute.
Mounting Requirements
Wisconsin has clear rules on where dash cams can be placed inside vehicles:
- Windshield Placement: Dash cams cannot be mounted on the windshield except directly behind the rearview mirror.
- Obstruction of View: The dash cam must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road at any time.
- Wiper Area: The device cannot block any area of the windshield that is cleaned by the wipers.
- Dashboard Option: Mounting the dash cam on the dashboard is recommended if it cannot be placed behind the rearview mirror.
Failure to follow these mounting requirements may result in a traffic citation for obstructing the driver’s view.
Audio Recording Laws
Wisconsin is a single-party consent state for audio recordings. This means you may record audio in your vehicle as long as at least one party to the conversation (such as yourself) consents to the recording. However, if you are recording passengers, it is best practice to inform them, especially if you plan to use the audio for legal or insurance purposes.
Use of Dash Cam Footage in Legal Cases
Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence in Wisconsin car accident cases. Courts and insurance companies often accept this footage to help establish fault, clarify the sequence of events, or refute false claims. The footage can be especially valuable in “he-said, she-said” scenarios or hit-and-run incidents.
Law Enforcement Dash Cam Policy Updates
Starting January 1, 2025, new statewide policies require all law enforcement vehicles in Wisconsin to have dashboard-mounted cameras. The Law Enforcement Standards Board will oversee use, maintenance, and data retention, ensuring consistent standards across agencies. These rules do not apply to private dash cam users but reflect the growing importance of video evidence in traffic and criminal cases.
Key Takeaways
- Dash cams are legal in Wisconsin for private use.
- Mount the device behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard-never in a way that blocks your view or the area cleaned by windshield wipers.
- Single-party consent applies for audio recording inside your vehicle.
- Dash cam footage is admissible in court and insurance claims.
- Law enforcement vehicles will be required to have dash cams by 2025, but private users are not affected by these new policies.
By following these rules, Wisconsin drivers can safely and legally use dash cams to protect themselves and document their journeys.
Sources:
- https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
- https://www.expertmarket.com/dash-cams/dash-cam-laws-by-state
- https://eisenberglaw.org/articles/dash-cam-footage-in-wisconsin-car-accident-cases/
- https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/are-dash-cams-legal-in-my-area-dash-cam-laws-in-every-us-state