Dash cams are legal in Missouri, and the state stands out for having no specific laws regulating their use or placement in private vehicles.
Unlike many other states that restrict where a dash cam can be mounted, Missouri does not have statutes addressing driver visibility or windshield obstructions related to dash cams.
This means drivers are generally free to install dash cams wherever they choose inside their vehicles, though it is recommended to place them in a way that does not obstruct the driver’s view, such as behind the rearview mirror or at the top or bottom of the windshield for safety reasons.
When it comes to recording audio, Missouri is a one-party consent state. This means that as long as one person involved in the conversation consents to the recording, it is legal to record audio within the vehicle.
If your dash cam captures audio and you are a participant in the conversation, you do not need to inform others, but notifying passengers remains a best practice to avoid privacy concerns.
Dash cam footage is generally admissible in Missouri courts for both civil and criminal cases. The footage can serve as valuable evidence in car accident claims, provided it is relevant to the incident and of sufficient quality.
However, the court may exclude footage that is not directly related to the incident or is of poor visual quality.
There are no Missouri laws requiring law enforcement or private individuals to use dash cams, and there are no restrictions on dash cam size or placement beyond general safety recommendations.
However, continuous recording of passengers without their knowledge could raise privacy issues, especially if the recording occurs in a setting where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
In summary, dash cams are fully legal in Missouri with no placement restrictions, but it is advisable to mount them so they do not interfere with your view of the road.
Audio recording is allowed with one-party consent, and dash cam footage can be used as evidence in court if it meets legal standards for relevance and quality.
Sources
- https://www.bwoattorneys.com/dash-cams-missouri-accident-claims/
- https://www.mccarthycollisioncenters.com/blog/are-dash-cams-legal-in-missouri
- https://www.expertmarket.com/dash-cams/dash-cam-laws-by-state
- https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
- https://becklawmo.com/blog/dashcam-footage-missouri-car-accident-claims/