Dash cams are legal in New Jersey, but there are specific requirements for their placement, audio recording, and use as legal evidence. You cannot mount a dash cam on the windshield or in any way that obstructs the driver’s view. The recommended placement is on the dashboard or in a location that does not impede vision, such as near the rearview mirror, but not on the windshield itself. Mounting the dash cam incorrectly, so that it blocks your view, can result in fines.
New Jersey is a one-party consent state for audio recording, meaning only one participant (such as the driver) needs to consent to the recording for it to be legal. However, it is best practice to inform all passengers if audio is being recorded, as privacy concerns could arise, and failing to do so may complicate the admissibility of the recording in legal proceedings.
Dash cam footage is generally admissible in court if it was recorded legally and is relevant and authentic. To use the footage as evidence, you may need to show when and where it was recorded, and prove that it has not been tampered with. If audio was captured, one-party consent rules apply for court use.
For legal, trouble-free usage of a dash cam in New Jersey, make sure to mount it on the dashboard or other non-obstructive locations, notify passengers about audio recording, and keep clear, unedited recordings if you intend to use them as evidence.
Sources
[1] https://www.newjerseydwiattorneyblog.com/new-jersey-law-requiring-police-use-dashboard-cameras-remains-unfunded/
[2] https://www.njadvocates.com/2024/05/12/the-impact-of-dashcam-footage-in-new-jersey-car-accidents/
[3] https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
[4] https://www.gpsinsight.com/blog/are-dash-cameras-legal-in-commercial-vehicles/
[5] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
