Dash cams have become increasingly popular among Maryland drivers for their ability to provide clear, unbiased evidence in the event of an accident or dispute. However, their use is governed by specific state laws regarding placement, privacy, and admissibility in court. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you comply with Maryland’s dash cam regulations.
Are Dash Cams Legal in Maryland?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Maryland, but there are important restrictions on where and how they can be installed. The primary rule is that the dash cam must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. Maryland law specifies that dash cams can be mounted:
- Above the AS-1 line (the top five inches of the windshield)
- No more than five inches below the top of the windshield
- Within a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield
Many drivers choose to mount their dash cams behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard to comply with these requirements.
Audio Recording and Privacy Laws
Maryland is a two-party consent state for audio recordings. This means that all parties involved in a conversation must be aware of and consent to being recorded. If your dash cam records audio inside the vehicle, you must inform all passengers or turn off the audio recording feature to avoid violating Maryland’s wiretapping laws. Recording audio without consent is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine.
- Video recording in public spaces (such as streets and parking lots) is generally allowed without consent.
- Audio recording always requires the consent of everyone being recorded inside the vehicle.
Admissibility of Dash Cam Footage in Court
Dash cam footage can be a powerful tool in accident investigations and court cases, but it is not automatically admissible. For footage to be accepted as evidence in Maryland courts, it must meet three main criteria:
- Relevance: The footage must help prove a key fact in the case.
- Authenticity: You must demonstrate that the footage is genuine and has not been tampered with.
- Reliability: The video should clearly show what happened and not be misleading.
Proper authentication usually involves establishing a chain of custody and confirming that the dash cam was functioning correctly at the time of the incident. If these conditions are met, dash cam footage is generally admissible and can be decisive in determining fault.
Comparison: Dash Cam vs. CCTV Footage
FeatureDash Cam FootageCCTV Footage
PerspectiveDriver’s point of view; close-up detailsWider view; may miss fine details
Typical UseCaptures speed, lane changes, traffic lightsMonitors broader areas, intersections…