Dash cams are legal in Illinois, but there are specific regulations governing their use and installation. Here’s what you need to know about dash cam laws in Illinois:
Installation Requirements
- Dash cams must be installed on the driver’s side of the dashboard.
- They cannot obscure more than five square inches of the windshield.
- The placement should not unreasonably obstruct the driver’s view.
Audio Recording
Illinois is a two-party consent state for audio recordings. This means:
- If your dash cam records audio, you must obtain consent from all passengers in the vehicle before recording.
- It’s recommended to disable audio recording on your dash cam to avoid legal issues.
Video Recording
- Video recording is generally allowed without restrictions.
- You can legally record police officers while they are on duty and in public spaces.
Legal Considerations
- Dash cam footage can be used as evidence in car accident claims or lawsuits.
- To be admissible in court, the footage must be relevant, authentic, and unaltered.
- The Illinois Eavesdropping Act applies to audio recordings, but typically not to video-only recordings.
Benefits of Using a Dash Cam
Provides proof of fault in accidents.
Protects against fraudulent claims.
Offers an unbiased account of traffic incidents.
While dash cams are legal and can be beneficial, it’s crucial to follow these regulations to ensure compliance with Illinois law and to maintain the admissibility of your footage in legal proceedings.
Sources:
- https://www.curcio-law.com/blog/illinois-dash-cam-laws/
- https://pl-law.com/why-every-driver-should-have-a-dash-cam-in-illinois/
- https://www.horwitzlaw.com/blog/using-dash-cam-evidence-in-road-rage-cases/
- https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
- https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/are-dash-cams-legal-in-my-area-dash-cam-laws-in-every-us-state
