Key Takeaways Dash Cam Windscreen Legal Position
• Legal to Use: Dash cams are perfectly legal to own and use on UK roads, and the footage is widely accepted by police and insurance companies.
• The 40mm Rule: The camera, and any associated mounting, must not intrude more than 40mm into the swept area of your windscreen wipers (Zone 'B').
• The 10mm Rule: The camera must not intrude more than 10mm into the critical area directly in front of the driver (Zone 'A').
• No Obstruction: The core principle is that the device must not obscure your view of the road in any significant way.
• Professional Installation is Best: A professional installation ensures the camera is placed in a legally compliant and discreet position, often behind the rearview mirror.
Yes, fitting a dash cam to your windscreen is legal in the UK, but you must adhere to specific rules about its placement to avoid breaking the law and failing an MOT. The fundamental rule is that the camera must not obstruct your view of the road. Specifically, it cannot intrude more than 40mm into the area swept by your windscreen wipers. Placing it incorrectly could lead to a fine and points on your licence. To ensure your device is both effective and legally compliant, it's always best to have one of our front and rear dash cams installed by a professional.
Understanding the Legal Framework
The rules regarding items on a windscreen are outlined in The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and are enforced during your annual MOT test. The goal is to ensure the driver has a clear and unobstructed view of the road at all times. Failure to comply is not just an MOT failure; it can be classed as a driving offence.
To understand the placement rules, the windscreen is divided into two main zones:
• Zone A: This is a 290mm wide vertical strip centred on the steering wheel. It represents the driver's primary line of sight.
• Zone B: This is the rest of the area swept by the windscreen wipers.
The Critical Placement Rules: 10mm and 40mm
The law is very precise about how much of an obstruction is allowed in these zones.
The 10mm Rule for Zone 'A'
Within Zone A, the critical area directly in front of you, an obstruction must not be more than 10mm wide. This is a very small area, and in practice, it means you should avoid placing anything in this zone. A dash cam body, lens, or mounting bracket will almost certainly exceed this 10mm limit, making it illegal to place it directly in your line of sight.
The 40mm Rule for Zone 'B'
In Zone B, which covers the vast majority of the windscreen, the rules are slightly more relaxed. An obstruction must not be more than 40mm wide. This is the key rule that applies to most dash cam installations. As long as your camera and its mount do not extend more than 40mm into the swept area of the windscreen, your installation is considered legal.
The Best Place to Mount Your Dash Cam
Given these rules, where is the ideal spot to mount your dash cam? The most common and legally compliant position is high up on the passenger side of the windscreen, tucked neatly behind the rearview mirror.
This position offers several advantages:
- Legal Compliance: It is well outside Zone A and, when fitted correctly, the camera body is often completely hidden from the driver's view by the mirror itself, ensuring no obstruction.
- Discreet and Unobtrusive: The camera is less visible from outside the vehicle and doesn't distract the driver.
- Excellent Field of View: Placed centrally and high up, the camera gets a commanding view of the road ahead, capturing multiple lanes of traffic.
For a completely seamless and professional finish, consider a high-quality car camera front and rear system. When professionally hardwired, all cables are hidden away, resulting in a tidy, factory-fitted appearance that is fully compliant with all regulations.
Other Legal Considerations for Dash Cam Users
Beyond windscreen placement, there are a few other legal points to bear in mind when using a dash cam in the UK.
Informing Passengers
If you are a private driver using your own car, you generally do not need to inform passengers that a dash cam is in operation. However, if you are a taxi driver, private hire operator, or driving for a business, you are legally required to display clear signage to inform passengers that CCTV is in operation.
Data Protection and Sharing Footage
The video your dash cam records is your personal data. You should not share it publicly (e.g., on social media) unless it is for a legitimate purpose, such as appealing for witnesses or reporting a crime to the police. Police forces across the UK now have dedicated online portals where you can easily submit dash cam footage of dangerous driving.
Using Dash Cams Abroad
If you plan to drive in Europe, be aware that dash cam laws vary significantly between countries. In places like Austria and Portugal, they are highly restricted or even illegal. Always check the local laws of any country you plan to visit before you travel.
The Verdict: Fit it Right, Drive with Confidence
Dash cams are a powerful tool for road safety in the UK, and their use is encouraged by police and insurers. The legal position is clear and sensible: as long as the device doesn't block your view, you are operating within the law.
By following the simple 10mm and 40mm rules and placing your camera in the recommended position behind the rearview mirror, you can drive with the confidence that you are both protected and compliant. An incorrectly placed camera is not only a safety hazard but also risks an MOT failure and a potential fine.
To avoid any doubt and ensure a perfect, legally sound installation, the best approach is to choose a professional service. Explore our collection of the best front and rear dash cam UK models and let our experts handle the installation for complete peace of mind on every journey.
