A question that sometimes comes up: “Can I legally record images in and around my car with a dashcam?” The answer to this question varies quite a bit within Europe. In a number of European countries, a dash cam is completely legal, while in some other countries there are somewhat stricter regulations regarding the use of a dash cam. It is useful to know what the regulations in your country say about the use of a dashcam, but of course also what the regulations are of countries you travel through. In this blog we explain what you should pay attention to when using a VIOFO dashcam and what you may or may not do with the images.
Dashcam Legal
We kick off with the countries where you can use a dashcam without or with few restrictions. In countries such as the Netherlands, Spain and Italy it is completely legal to use a dashcam. It is allowed to record images here and also to use them as evidence in a court case. It is therefore always a good idea to install a dash cam in your car to feel safer in traffic.
A complete list of European countries where a dashcam can be legally used without or with few restrictions:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Denmark
- Italy
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Serbia
- Sweden
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Russia
- Turkey
- Czech Republic
- Romania
- Poland
- Ireland
- Finland
- Slovenia
- Belarus
- Croatia
- Bulgaria
- Latvia
- Georgia
- Armenia
Did you know? There are insurance companies in the United Kingdom that give a 15% discount on car insurance if a dashcam is installed. With the VIOFO T130 3CH record your images of the front, side and back of your car. This way you have images everywhere that the insurance company can use!
Countries with regulations for a dash cam
There are also a number of countries that you should pay attention to when using a dashcam. Some of these have relatively simple regulations that are actually self-evident, but in some countries you better be careful that you use a dashcam or its images in the right way. We go through a number of countries with the rules they apply for using a dashcam or for sharing the images that are made.
Belgium: In Belgium you can use a dashcam, but you can only share the images you make with the authorities.
France: A dashcam may be used, provided it does not block your view. With the compact design of the VIOFO dash cams, you will never be bothered by this, because you can always easily conceal them behind the car's rearview mirror. With the VIOFO A119 Mini do you have the smallest dashcam available. Images may only be shared with the authorities.
Germany: A dashcam may be used, provided it does not block your view. With the compact design of the VIOFO dashcams, you will never be bothered by this, because you can always easily conceal them behind the car's rearview mirror.
Switzerland: A dashcam may only record for legal purposes.
Dash cam illegal
In two European countries, the use of a dashcam is completely prohibited. If you do use a dashcam or its images and you are caught using it, you can even expect a high fine! In some cases, this buoyancy can even exceed $1000. The countries in which you are not legally allowed to use a dashcam are Portugal in Austria. The reason why a dashcam is not allowed in these countries is mainly due to the privacy law surrounding filming people in public. If you live in Austria or Portugal or are driving through it, pay extra attention when using a dashcam!
Is the use of a dashcam legal in the country where you live? Look at here which dashcam is most suitable for you. No rights can be derived from this article. Regulations can change, we recommend that you contact us about the latest rules.
VIOFO Benelux
VIOFO Benelux is the official distributor of the high-quality VIOFO dashcams in the Benelux. In addition, we are now active throughout Europe. For years, our dashcams have come out best in the test at various large test platforms such as Dashcamtalk. The VIOFO dashcams are characterized by the high quality video resolution, discreet design and premium smart functions. View our complete range now here!