Dash cams are legal in Rhode Island, provided they do not obstruct the driver’s view, and recording audio requires the consent of all parties involved.
Mounting Regulations
- There is no explicit ban on dash cams in Rhode Island, but the key requirement is that their placement must not block the driver’s view.
- Windshield mounting is not directly prohibited, but in practice, any device that obstructs vision is subject to enforcement.
- Dashboard mounting or mounting behind the rearview mirror—so long as the field of view remains clear—is commonly recommended.
Audio Recording Laws
- Rhode Island is an all-party consent state for audio recording.
- To legally record conversations inside the car, every person being recorded must explicitly agree; otherwise, audio recording could violate privacy laws and invite penalties.
Use of Footage as Evidence
- Dash cam video is typically admissible in court if the recording was legally obtained and did not interfere with privacy rights.
- Avoid recording audio or video where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside private residences or during confidential conversations.
Law Enforcement and Distracted Driving
- Devices should not be installed in a way that contributes to distracted driving or interferes with airbag deployment.
- Enforcement may occur if police determine the device impairs safe operation or violates visibility requirements.
Using a dash cam is fully allowed in Rhode Island provided it is mounted without blocking the driver’s view and all-party consent is obtained for any audio recording.
Sources
(https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/)
(https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/)
(https://www.enjuris.com/blog/resources/dash-cam-laws-by-state/)
(https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/are-dash-cams-legal-in-my-area-dash-cam-laws-in-every-us-state)
(https://www.expertmarket.com/dash-cams/dash-cam-laws-by-state)
