In Oregon, dash cams are generally legal and widely used, but there are specific regulations governing their installation and use to ensure safety and privacy. Oregon law primarily focuses on preventing windshield obstructions and protecting the privacy of recorded parties.
One key rule is that dash cams cannot be mounted on the windshield in a way that obstructs the driver’s view. Under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 815.260, a person may not drive a vehicle with any material placed so as to prevent or impair the ability to see into or out of the vehicle. As a result, dash cams are best mounted on the dashboard instead of the windshield to avoid view obstruction and comply with the law.
Regarding audio recording, Oregon is a two-party consent state. This means that recording conversations inside your vehicle with audio requires the consent of all individuals involved. Violating this can lead to legal consequences, so it is advisable to disable audio recording unless you have explicit consent from passengers. Informing passengers that recording might occur is also considered a best practice to maintain transparency.
Dash cam footage can serve as valuable evidence in documenting traffic incidents, reckless driving, or other situations for insurance or legal purposes. However, the admissibility of such footage in court is at the judge’s discretion. Consulting with a legal professional is recommended if you plan to use dash cam recordings in any legal proceedings.
Best practices for dash cam use in Oregon include mounting on the dashboard to avoid impairing visibility, regularly managing recorded footage to protect sensitive information, and being mindful of privacy regarding bystanders or license plates. Additionally, some cities in Oregon may have specific local regulations, but generally, cities like Portland, Eugene, Salem, and Bend follow the statewide guidelines.
To comply with Oregon’s dash cam laws:
- Avoid windshield mounting that obstructs your view.
- Gain consent before recording audio inside the vehicle.
- Use recordings responsibly, respecting privacy and legal boundaries.
- Consider local city regulations alongside state law.
By following these rules, Oregon drivers can safely and legally benefit from the use of dash cams while protecting themselves and others on the road.
Sources
[1] https://theashlandchronicle.com/understanding-dash-cam-regulations-in-oregon/
[2] https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
[3] https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
[4] https://facit.ai/insights/dash-cam-laws-by-state
[5] https://www.gpsinsight.com/blog/are-dash-cameras-legal-in-commercial-vehicles/
