Dash cams, which are short for “dash cameras,” are now a popular accessory for cars all over the U.S., including in Ohio. These small gadgets can keep track of traffic incidents, accidents, and even catch interesting video from the road.
However, even though many drivers see the benefits of dash cams, it is important to know the rules about how to use them legally to make sure you are following Ohio state laws.
This guide gives a thorough look at Ohio’s dash cam rules, covering topics like installation, privacy, being able to use the footage in court, and important things users should keep in mind.
Are Dash Cams Legal in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio does allow car cams. There are no rules that say these things can not be used in cars. But there are rules about where and how to place them so that they do not get in the way of the driver’s view and so that they follow general traffic and safety laws.
Where Can You Legally Install a Dash Cam?
One big worry about car cams is where to put them. The law in Ohio says that a driver’s window must stay clear so that they can see the road.
What is the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4513.24)? It says that putting things on or near the window that could make it harder for the driver to see the road clearly is against the law. This law covers car cams, GPS devices, and other tools that are similar.
For dash cam users, this means:
Put the dash cam somewhere that does not get in the way of the driver seeing.
It should be put behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard, away from the window, if possible.
Instead, smaller dash cams that stick to the glass in less important places, like near the top or sides, are usually fine.
If you do not follow these rules, you could get fined and have legal problems if the setting of the dash cam is found to have contributed to a traffic violation or accident.
Privacy Concerns and Recording Laws
In Ohio, only one person has to agree for a talk to be recorded. So, it is legal as long as one person in the talk agrees to it being recorded.
Dash cams that can record sound are covered by this rule. For those who are going alone, there is no need to get permission from anyone else.
But if you want to record talks or passengers in your car, you need to get their permission first so you do not invade their privacy.
There are no clear rules about dash cams that record video of things outside of the car, like traffic, people walking, or other cars. As long as the video is taken in a public place where no one has a fair expectation of privacy, like a road, parking lot, or other public area.
Are Dash Cam Recordings Admissible in Court?
Video from a dash cam can be very helpful in court, like when trying to prove who was at blame in an accident or when fighting traffic tickets.
In Ohio, videos from dash cams can usually be used as evidence in both civil and criminal cases, as long as they meet the legal requirements for proof.
To be considered admissible in court, the footage must meet certain requirements:
Relevance: The video has to have something to do with the case and the event in question.
Authenticity: It must be shown that the video footage is a true and unmodified record of the event. There are times when this needs to be checked by looking at the dash cam and the time and date stamps on the video.
Chain of Custody: The recording needs to be kept in the right way to make sure it has not been changed. It is very important to keep the original SD card or store the footage in a safe way.
Dash cam video is often used in car accident cases to figure out who was at fault, show proof of careless driving, or support personal injury claims.
Insurance Considerations
Dash cams are used by a lot of drivers to protect themselves from false claims and to record events for insurance reasons.
Some Ohio insurance companies give savings to drivers who use dash cams because they see them as a way to cut down on false claims and speed up the claims process.
But not all insurance companies offer these deals, so you should check with yours to see if you can get one.
Also, if you get into an accident, the video from your dash cam can help your insurance claim. It can make it clear what happened, which can cut down on arguments about who is responsible.
Final Thoughts
Dash cams are allowed in Ohio, but they need to be used responsibly to stay out of trouble with the law and keep everyone safe on the road.
Follow the rules about blocking the windshield, respect people’s right to privacy, and keep your records in the right way, especially if you want to use them in court or for insurance purposes.
Also see:-Is It Illegal to Vape and Drive in Illinois? Here’s What the Law Says
Leave a Reply