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Are Dash Cams Legal In Florida?
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Dashboard-mounted cameras, often referred to as simply dash cams, are becoming increasingly popular in the state of Florida as well as throughout the nation. These cams allow drivers to record their driving experiences and can even offer evidence in the event that the driver is involved in an accident. If you recently purchased a dash cam, you may have a few questions regarding its use, including the legality of dash cams in Florida and if dash cam video recordings is permissible as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit or claim.
Are Dash Cams Legal In Florida?
In this article, we’ll explore what a dash cam is and how it works, the different types of dash cams available, and the Florida laws related to using dash cams while driving.
What Is A Dash Cam?
A dash cam, or a dashboard camera, is a digital video recorder that you place in your vehicle’s front windshield, dashboard, or another location in the car. It is used to capture a person’s driving events on the road ahead. Many people purchase dash cams to act as an extra eye on the road and to provide protection in the event that the driver is involved in an accident. It can also be used to protect against theft and vandalism.
Dash cams come in several options that include different storage abilities and views. For example, some dash cams can record both the interior and exterior of the car and there are dash cams available in wide-angle and high definition. Additionally, some dash cams capture audio recordings in addition to video. Most dash cams will begin recording when the vehicle is turned on, as they are often hardwired into the vehicle’s electrical system. However, there are dash cams that can record continuously even when the vehicle is not on.
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How Do Dash Cams Work?
Dash cams work by recording road activity that is then stored on a memory card, internal memory, or on the Cloud. This allows the owner to easily download the dash cam footage when necessary. While most dash cams are powered by a cigarette lighter or are hardwired into a car, some are battery powered and will turn on automatically when motion is detected. Dash cams typically record on a continuous loop and create three-minute clips that are stored on an SD card.
Dash cams can provide many benefits to drivers, with the most common benefits being:
- 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
Types Of Dash Cams
There are a few primary types of dash cams that you can purchase for use in your vehicle. The most common types of dash cams include:
Traditional Dash Cam
This type of dash cam is a basic camera that is placed in the front of the windshield. This type of camera only records what is happening in front of the vehicle while it is driving. Some traditional dash cams have the ability to record while in parking mode and will record any activity that occurs while the vehicle is unoccupied.
Dual Camera Dash Cam
A dual camera dash cam is one that records activity both outside and inside of the vehicle at the same time. This type of dash cam relies on a removable storage media such as a micro SD card to save footage. Many dual camera dash cams will swivel to provide a full 360-degree view and feature two cameras.
Rear View Mirror Dash Cam
A rear view mirror dash cam is one that features the shape of a rearview mirror and goes on or over the existing rearview mirror in the vehicle.
Many dash cams are available with a number of features, with some of the most common being:
- G-sensors
- Loop recording
- Temperature resistant
- Night vision
- Built-in battery
- Remote viewing
- GPS system
- Applications for a smartphone
- Audio
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Dash Cam Laws In Florida
While dash cams are legal in Florida, there are a few key laws related to dash cams that you should be aware of before purchasing one. These laws include:
Florida Windshield Obstruction Laws
This law states that drivers cannot use their car if their view is obstructed. This means that if a dash cam is in the way of your view of the road, it is technically illegal and subject to a fine and a nonmoving violation by law enforcement.
Florida Electronic Audio Surveillance Law
This law is related to dash cameras that record audio and states that everyone who is being recorded must give consent to electronic surveillance. Breaking this law is considered a felony and can have severe consequences, so it’s important to ensure that anyone in the vehicle is notified that they are being recorded.
When Can You Use Dash Cam Footage?
Dash cam recordings can be used as evidence in the event of a car accident. This means that if you are involved in an accident with another driver who is at-fault, you can use your dash cam footage to support your case when filing a claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. However, according to Florida law, dash cam footage cannot be used as a deciding factor in terms of the overall case judgment.
Additionally, Florida statutes require dash cams or videotapes to meet the following criteria to be admissible in a court of law:
- The video must show convincing and clear footage directly related to the facts about the case
- The video must be authentic and the person admitting the video to a case must swear under testimony to its authenticity
Dash cam evidence can be helpful in personal injury cases as they can show that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. This is especially useful when no other witnesses were present at the time of the accident and when the other driver denies negligence.
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Contact The Car Accident Lawyers At Florin|Roebig Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence and want to know if your dash cam footage is admissible in your personal injury or auto accident case, you can discuss the details and your options with one of the expert attorneys at the law offices of Florin|Roebig. We can help you gather evidence and ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve following a car crash. Give us a call today at (866) 938-0218 for a 100% confidential and free consultation.