Taking precautions to keep yourself safe on the roadways can help to prevent accidents. Defensive driving maneuvers can help reduce accidents, but how can you protect your rights once an accident already occurs? Many drivers choose to attach a camera to their dashboard to record any incidents that could happen. Let’s discuss the legality of dashcams in Florida and whether or not dashcam footage can be used in an insurance claim settlement or court.
What Is A Dashboard Camera?
A dash cam is a digital video recorder placed on a vehicle’s front windshield, dashboard, or other location to capture a person’s driving events. Many drivers use dashcams to assist with driving, protect against theft and vandalism, and provide additional protection in case of an accident.
Types of Dashcams in Florida
Dash cams come in different options depending on your needs. Many of them include different storage abilities and views. Some can record both the interior and exterior of the car. Other dash cams come in wide-angle and high-definition. Many dash cams capture audio recordings in addition to video. Other dashcams begin recording when the vehicle is turned on, and some record continuously even if the vehicle is powered off.
These are a few of the primary types of dash cams that you can purchase for use in your vehicle:
- Traditional dashcams are basic cameras placed in the front windshield. They record only what occurs in front of the vehicle. Some traditional dashcams record while in the park or can record any activity occurring while the vehicle is unoccupied.
- Dual-camera dashcams record both outside and inside the vehicle simultaneously. These dashcams typically use removable storage cards and can swivel to provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle.
- Rear-view dashcams are made in the shape of a rearview mirror and cover the existing rearview mirror in the vehicle. They can be customized to provide multiple angles of your vehicle at any given time.
Some of the most common features of dashboard cameras include:
- G-sensors
- Loop recordings
- Temperature resistannce
- Night-vision
- Built-in rechargeable battery or battery-powered
- Remote viewing
- GPS
- Smartphone applications
- Audio recordings
How Do Dashcams Function?
Dash cams record road activity and store it on the internal memory or memory card or upload it to storage via the Cloud. Dashcam owners can download the footage whenever necessary. Some dashcams get their power from the cigarette lighter or are hardwired into a car. There are also battery-powered and motion-activated dashboard cameras. Many dashcams record on a continuous loop and then create small clips.
Dashcam Benefits
Dash cams can provide the following benefits to Florida drivers:
- Video footage of an accident
- Protection while parked and against vandalism and theft
- Encouragement for safer driving practices
- The ability to use the footage as video evidence in car of a car accident
Are Dashboard Cameras Illegal in Florida?
Dashcams are legal in Florida. However, Florida Statute 316.2004 states that drivers cannot operate a vehicle with anything obstructing their vision on the windshield. Since the wording of this law is vague, it can prove difficult to determine how much of your windshield can be covered before a dashcam is considered an obstruction.
Most dashcams do not obstruct large portions of the front or back windshield. There are also laws making it illegal to collect audio from individuals without their consent. Florida Statute 934.03 could be used against you if the video collects audio and it’s important to tell other passengers when they’re being recorded.
If you require assistance deciphering dashcam laws that may apply to your accidents, speak with car accident lawyers about Florida dashcam regulations and using dashcams legally in Florida.
Proving Fault Using Dashcams Legally In Florida
Dash cams provide real-time videos of what occurs in and around your vehicle. If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident in Florida, dashcam footage could help prove what happened. These recordings have been effectively used by adept car accident lawyers to pursue personal injury settlements. Dashcams can be significantly helpful when an accident results in severe injury and property damage.
Florida motor vehicle accident lawyers recommend working with Englander Peebles when you need assistance pursuing an injury settlement using dashcam footage in Florida courts as evidence. Your Florida car accident attorney can examine the facts of your case, gather all evidence needed to prove liability, and determine when it is helpful to use your dashcam footage. Consider speaking with Englander Peebles for a free consultation to discuss your Florida car accident right away.