In New Hampshire, the use of dash cams is legal and increasingly common for drivers who want to protect themselves in case of accidents or capture evidence of bad driving. However, there are specific rules regarding how and where dash cams can be installed and how they can record audio.
New Hampshire law prohibits mounting dash cams on the front windshield because any non-transparent object blocking the driver’s clear view is illegal under RSA 265:95 III(b). Instead, the dash cam must be mounted on the dashboard, ensuring that the driver’s view through the windshield remains unobstructed. Rear-facing and interior cameras are allowed as long as they do not obstruct the driver’s view out of any other windows. Additionally, the screen of the dash cam must be visible to the driver, maintaining operational safety.
Regarding audio recording, New Hampshire is an all-party consent state. This means that if your dash cam records sound inside the vehicle, everyone being recorded must consent to it. To comply with this legal requirement, you can inform passengers verbally, leave a written notice, or place a sticker on the window notifying occupants that audio is being recorded.
Dash cam footage may be used as evidence in New Hampshire courts to determine fault in accidents or other legal matters. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so dash cam videos can be helpful to prove or disprove fault. It is important to keep any recorded evidence safe and unaltered, as tampering with or destroying footage could lead to legal complications.
In summary, the key points of New Hampshire’s dash cam rules are that dash cams must be mounted on the dashboard (not the windshield), audio recording requires all-party consent, and footage can be legally used in court when relevant. Following these rules helps ensure your dash cam use is legal, safe, and effective in protecting your rights on the road.
