Illinois law permits the use of dashboard cameras, commonly known as dash cams, in vehicles, but there are important regulations regarding their installation and use to ensure both legality and safety. When installing a dash cam, it must be placed in a way that does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. The most common and accepted placement is in the lower left corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. The camera and its mount should not exceed five inches in any direction to avoid unreasonable obstruction.
Recording video with a dash cam while driving is always allowed in public spaces, as there is no expectation of privacy for activities visible from the road. This means drivers can legally record traffic, accidents, and even police interactions in public areas. However, recording audio inside the vehicle is subject to stricter rules. Illinois is a two-party consent state under the Illinois Eavesdropping Act, which means all occupants of the vehicle must give consent before audio can be recorded. If consent is not obtained, the audio function should be disabled to avoid violating privacy laws.
Dash cam footage can be used as evidence in court if it was obtained legally and is relevant to the case. Footage may be excluded if it was recorded in violation of privacy laws, is altered, or lacks clarity or relevance. When sharing dash cam footage publicly, it is advisable to blur faces, license plates, or other identifiable information to protect the privacy of others.
Dash cams are legal in Illinois as long as they are installed properly and do not obstruct the driver’s view. Audio recording requires the consent of all vehicle occupants, while video recording of public spaces is always permitted. Following these guidelines ensures that dash cam footage remains admissible in court and helps drivers avoid legal issues related to privacy and obstruction.
Sources
[1] https://www.curcio-law.com/blog/illinois-dash-cam-laws/
[2] https://tpmblegal.com/is-dash-cam-footage-permissible-evidence-in-illinois/
[3] https://illinoiscarlaws.com/dashboard-camera/
[4] https://windycitylawfirm.com/the-power-of-dash-cameras-in-car-accident-and-truck-accident-claims-a-game-changer-for-attorneys-and-injury-victims/
[5] https://www.horwitzlaw.com/blog/using-dash-cam-evidence-in-road-rage-cases/
