Dash cams are legal in Kansas, but their use and placement are subject to specific regulations to ensure they do not obstruct the driver’s view or violate other traffic laws.
Key Kansas Dash Cam Regulations
- Mounting Location:
- Dash cams may be installed on the dashboard or windshield.
- If mounted on the windshield, they must not “significantly obstruct,” obscure, or impair the driver’s clear view of the road or any intersecting highway.
- Obstruction Laws:
- Kansas law (KSA-8-1741(a)) prohibits driving with any non-transparent material on the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows that substantially obstructs the driver’s view.
- The law does not specify exact size limits for dash cams, but they must not significantly hinder the driver’s eyesight.
- Privacy and Recording:
- Kansas is a one-party consent state for audio recording, meaning only one person in the conversation needs to be aware of the recording.
- Video recording on public roads is generally permitted, but privacy issues may arise if recording inside private property or pointing cameras at others’ homes.
- Use in Court:
- Dash cam footage is admissible as evidence in Kansas courts, provided it is relevant and meets general rules of evidence.
Best Practices
- Placement:
- Mount the dash cam behind the rearview mirror or in a lower corner of the windshield to minimize obstruction.
- Ensure the device does not block your view of the road.
- Audio Recording:
- Inform passengers if you are recording audio, as you must be aware of the recording (one-party consent), but it is courteous to notify others.
- Privacy:
- Avoid pointing the camera at private property or inside other vehicles to prevent privacy violations.
Summary Table
| Regulation | Kansas Law |
|---|---|
| Dash cam legality | Legal |
| Mounting location | Dashboard or windshield |
| Obstruction restriction | Must not significantly obstruct driver’s view |
| Audio recording | One-party consent |
| Use in court | Admissible as evidence |
Dash cams are widely used and accepted in Kansas, but always ensure your installation complies with state visibility and recording laws.
Sources
[1] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
[2] https://facit.ai/insights/dash-cam-laws-by-state
[3] https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/are-dash-cams-legal-in-my-area-dash-cam-laws-in-every-us-state
[4] https://gpstrackit.com/blog/what-are-the-dashcam-regulations-in-each-state/
[5] https://www.devaughnjames.com/blog/car-accidents/will-a-dashcam-help-my-case-if-im-involved-in-a-car-accident/
