Dash cams are legal in Louisiana, but they must be installed and used in compliance with several key regulations: your device cannot obstruct the driver’s view through the windshield, and audio recording requires only single-party consent under Louisiana law. Proper dash cam footage—secured and authenticated—can serve as valuable evidence in accident investigations and court proceedings.
Louisiana Revised Statute 32:361.1 states windshield-mounted devices like dash cams must not block visibility or interfere with airbag deployment; your device should be positioned for safety and legality. Installation that obstructs the “clear view” of the road is expressly forbidden, so mount your camera in a way that meets these guidelines. There is no requirement for dashboard disclosure, but if your footage is relevant in litigation, it must be preserved and may be subject to discovery under the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure.
On recording audio, Louisiana follows a “one-party consent” rule: if you are present and consent, you may record conversations inside your vehicle without the explicit permission of other parties, making audio-enabled dash cams legal. If you use a camera that records passengers, informing them is a best practice, though not legally mandatory in Louisiana.
For commercial vehicles, new insurance incentives begin January 1, 2026: Act 19 (HB 549) compels insurers to offer premium discounts—up to 10%—to fleet owners who install dash cams with real-time telematics, provided these cameras record in 1080p or better and meet certain technical standards. The footage, if properly maintained, supports liability determinations and insurance claims, but to receive a discount, cameras must also capture driving data such as speed, braking, and mileage, synced to the insurance provider.
Dash cam evidence is generally admitted in Louisiana courts if authenticated—owners may be called to testify it’s a true and accurate account of the event. The footage can help establish fault, corroborate traffic violations, and resolve factual disputes under Louisiana’s pure comparative fault system, which adjusts compensation by percentage of blame.
- It is legal to use dash cams in Louisiana as long as placement does not obstruct the driver’s view and audio recording follows the state’s “one-party consent” law.
- For commercial vehicles, insurance premium discounts apply starting in 2026 with qualifying camera installation and telematics integration.
- Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if authenticated and can be crucial evidence in liability cases.
When installing a dash cam, always prioritize safety, regulatory compliance, and data preservation for both legal and insurance purposes.
Sources
[1] https://louisianacarwreck.com/the-role-of-dashcam-footage-in-proving-fault-after-collision/
[2] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
[3] https://shamiehlaw.com/faqs/2025-louisiana-legislative-updates/
[4] https://tracknetonline.com/la-hb-549-insurance-discounts-for-smart-fleets/
[5] https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=248595
