Dash cams, small video cameras that record footage from your car’s windshield, are becoming increasingly popular. They give valuable evidence in car accidents, document gorgeous drives, and may even qualify for insurance reductions. However, in order to be legal, you must grasp certain rules when using a dash cam in Tennessee.
Dash cams give drivers a sense of security and can be extremely useful in the event of an accident or dispute. However, Tennessee, like other states, has rules governing the usage of dash cams, namely their positioning to ensure an unobstructed view of the road.
Windshield Obstruction Laws in Tennessee
- Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 55-9-107 states that anything obstructing a driver’s clear view through the windshield is prohibited. This includes items like GPS devices, fuzzy dice, or other hanging objects.
- Interpretation: Dash cams are not directly included in the statute, although windshield mountings are subject to this regulation. This presents some misunderstanding, as dash cams are designed to record through the windshield.
Best Practices for Dash Cam Placement in Tennessee
To ensure you’re utilizing your dash cam legally in Tennessee, it’s important to position it strategically:
- Dashboard Mounting: The safest method is to mount your dash cam directly to the dashboard. Secure it slightly beneath the rearview mirror, so it does not obstruct your view.
- Alternative Mounting Spots: Some dash cams include mounts that attach to areas of the windshield below the driver’s line of sight (see local legislation in Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville). It is advisable to double-check local ordinances in your area.
Audio Recording Considerations
- Tennessee as a One-Party Consent State: Tennessee is a “one-party consent” state, which means you can record conversations without others’ knowledge as long as you are present.
- Implications: Dash cams with audio recording capabilities can record your in-car conversations and sounds from outside. Be mindful of this if privacy is a concern. Many dash cams let you disable audio recording.
Using Dash Cam Footage in Tennessee
- Court Admissibility: Dash cam footage is typically acceptable in Tennessee courts. Its value comes from visually documenting accidents, traffic offenses, and road conditions.
- Social Media Sharing: Be cautious while sharing dash cam footage on social media. While not prohibited, it is a good idea to blur license plates and faces when others are around.
Commercial Dash Cam Regulations
Companies that use vehicles for commercial purposes (trucking companies, rideshare services like those in Chattanooga) may face additional dash cam rules. These frequently conceal inward-facing cameras for driver monitoring. Companies must be cognizant of both state regulations and their own corporate policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I put a dash cam on my rear windshield in Tennessee? Yes, because it does not impair the driver’s forward vision.
- Do I need to inform others I’m using a dash cam? Legally, the answer is no. However, honesty is a good politeness, especially with passengers.
- Can police officers in Tennessee confiscate my dash cam? Generally, only with a warrant or probable cause in an investigation.
Conclusion
Dash cams provide a variety of benefits in Tennessee. Understanding the state’s windshield blockage rules is critical for lawful and responsible operation. You may maximize the benefits of this technology while being on the right side of the law by strategically installing your dash cam on the dashboard and keeping audio recording rules in mind.