Illinois Dashboard Camera Laws
Are dashboard cameras legal in Illinois? This is a frequently asked question nowadays. Quality camera prices are always on the declinetheir storage space is always on the riseand the need for proof of traffic accidents and reckless drivers is always needed.
There are no specific Illinois dashboard camera laws to prohibit or allow these devices. Howeverother laws indirectly regulate their usage.
Are dashboard cameras legal in Illinois?
Here’s a brief overview of everything you need to know about using dash cams in Illinois:
- Using dashboard cameras in Illinois is legal
- Dashboard camera must be placed on driver’s side bottom corner and must be smaller than 5 inches
- You must have a consent from everyone in your vehicle if you want to record audio
There are several other important laws you need to be aware of if you plan on using car dashboard cameras. Below we’ll explore these regulations to ensure you avoid getting into legal issues.
Obstructing view
Illinois vehicle equipment laws prohibit driving vehicles where driver’s view of the road is obstructedand Illinois takes obstructing driver view of the road seriously.
This is why window stickers and cracked windshields for example are regulated by IL laws. As a resultthis is why a dashboard camera should be placed in the bottom left corner of the vehicle’s dashboard/windshield.
Furthermore make sure your dashboard camera is no larger than five inches.
Wiretapping and eavesdropping
Illinois is a “two-party consent” statemeaning it is a criminal offense to record audio of communications without the consent of all participants.
This means everyone in your vehicle should be aware and should consent to being recorded.
Recording video is generally legal. Howeverif you are publishing your videos publicly make sure to blur faceslicense plates or other identifiable information.
Can you record police in Illinois?
Recording police misconduct is often one of the main reasons why drivers get dashboard cameras. Harassment during traffic stopsillegal searches and many more law-breaking actions by the police are now a daily occurrence.
In Illinois you are legally allowed to record police officers. You do not need their consent eitheras Illinois laws specifically permit recording police on-duty officers in public since 2014.
Can dash cam footage be used as evidence?
Video footage from dash cameras can be used as evidence. Generally speakingit is difficult for any footage to be used against you as you need to provide consent for it to be used as evidence in court.
In most situations having dashboard camera video of a traffic accident can help with insurance claims or court cases.
References and sources:
Conclusion
Based on all relevant Illinois lawsusing dashboard cameras in vehicles is legal. There are no rules or regulations that would prohibit making video recordings through a dashboard camera while driving.
It is very important to ensure you do not record audio without the consent of everyone in the vehicle. Additionallyensure you reasonably protect the privacy of others if you publish footage on Youtube or social media.
Lastlyalways ensure your camera is placed in bottom left corner and isn’t over 5″ in size.