In Massachusetts, dash cams are becoming more popular as drivers try to protect themselves by having recorded evidence during accidents or commutes.
Even though dash cams can give you peace of mind, you need to know the laws in Massachusetts about how to use them to make sure you are following them.
Legality of Dash Cam Usage
Dash cams are legal to use in Massachusetts, and a lot of drivers, especially in busy cities like Boston, use them to record their trips. Massachusetts, on the other hand, is a two-party consent state, which changes how dash cams handle audio.
It is against the law to record someone is voice without their permission. If the passengers have not given permission for the dash cam to record sound and conversations inside the car, the driver may be breaking the law without meaning to.
For this reason, a lot of drivers in Massachusetts use dash cams that only record video, or they turn off audio recording if their dash cam can do that.
This method makes sure that video is recorded for insurance or personal safety reasons without breaking the law in the state.
Placement of Dash Cams in the Vehicle
Massachusetts, like many other states, has rules about where dash cams can be put in cars so they do not get in the way of the driver’s view.
The Massachusetts General Law on Windshield Obstructions says that you can not put anything in your car that could get in the way of the driver seeing the road.
Because of this, dash cams should be put in a place where they do not get in the way of the driver seeing out the windshield.
The upper center of the windshield near the rearview mirror or the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side are both popular and legal places to park.
If you mount your dash cam in one of these places, you are less likely to get a ticket or fine for vision impairment. Also, it is best to turn off the dash cam’s screen while you are driving so it does not get in the way.
Privacy Concerns
Using a dash cam in Massachusetts comes with privacy considerations, especially if you plan to record outside of your vehicle.
While recording video in public spaces is generally permissible, be cautious if your dash cam captures footage of people on private property or if you record inside the vehicle with passengers.
Massachusetts has strict privacy laws, and knowingly recording someone in private without their consent can lead to legal issues.
In addition, sharing or posting dash cam footage publicly without consent from individuals involved, especially if it captures private conversations or identifiable individuals, could be seen as an invasion of privacy.
Benefits of Dash Cams for Drivers
Even with these legal issues, it is clear that dash cams are good for drivers in Massachusetts. In the event of an accident, an insurance claim, or a traffic dispute, they provide solid proof, which is especially useful in areas with a lot of traffic.
Some insurance companies even give drivers discounts if they have dash cams because they can quickly record evidence that could help stop claims or settle them more quickly.
Key Takeaways
Turn off audio recording: Because Massachusetts is a two-party consent state, do not record conversations without getting permission from both people involved.
Carefully place your dash cam so that it does not get in the way of your view or become a distraction.
Respect people’s privacy: Think twice before sharing or taking pictures of people on private property or in your car.
Also see:-Is It Illegal to Vape and Drive in Arizona? Here’s What the Law Says
Leave a Reply