What are the rules for using commercial dashcams uk
Make sure your drivers are protected
It is estimated that more than a million commercial vehicles have dash cameras installed. Dependant on the choice of dash camera, it can record what’s happening in front of the vehicle, rear and sometimes the sides.
Good news, dash cameras are legal to install in the UK and require no special permission to use. Whilst they are legal to own and install, there are a few laws regarding the operations and use of one whilst driving and using them with passengers.
Current Regulations: Using Dash Cams Legally
According to the law, the placement of the camera must be so as to not obstruct the driver’s view of the road in any way. The Highway Code specifies that nothing can extrude more than 40mm into the area of the windscreen swept by the the wiper blades. Failure to comply to these regulations can result in a fine of up to £1000. Additionally, any footage recorded on illegally positioned dash cams could become inadmissible in legal proceedings.
Police can check the placement of your dash camera to ensure that it is in a legal placement. This is part of the annual vehicle safety test (MOT test) in the UK. The individual conducting your vehicle’s MOT test will check this as well as any other factors that may impede your or the drivers vision. These include but aren’t limited to, cracks in the windscreen, discolouration or surface damage.
If your dash cam intrudes more than 40mm into the area swept by the wiper blades, your vehicle could fail the test. The best place to install a dash cam is at the top of the windscreen.
Operating a Dash Cam
Dash cam laws in the UK prohibit changing any settings or powering on or off the dash camera whilst driving. Operating a camera while driving is comparable to using a handheld mobile device, contravening the Highway Code’s Rule 149.
Dash Cams and Passengers
Fleet Operators: What Does Mean For You?
According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), you can use dash cams in your fleet’s vehicles, provided that you can justify their use. As per recording laws in the UK, you must tell people they are being recorded, and you must handle the footage responsibly.
It is your duty to ensure that any footage that is being recorded is keep in a safe and secure location. You bear the responsibility to protect any data you collect, share or use cant be accessed by unauthorised personnel.
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Its the duty of the driver to inform passengers that they are being recorded. This is due to potential privacy breaches caused by dash camera recordings.
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