- Dash cams are legal to install and use in Arizona. There are no laws prohibiting private individuals from using dash cams in their vehicles.
Mounting and Placement Rules
- Arizona law strictly regulates where and how dash cams can be mounted to avoid obstructing the driver’s view.
- If mounted on the driver’s side of the windshield, the dash cam must fit within a five-inch square in the lower corner closest to the driver.
- If mounted on the passenger side of the windshield, it must fit within a seven-inch square in the farthest lower corner away from the driver.
- Any device that blocks the driver’s view outside these dimensions or locations can result in a traffic violation for windshield obstruction.
Recording Laws and Privacy
- Video recording in public spaces (such as roads) is generally permitted.
- For audio recording, Arizona is a one-party consent state, meaning you can record audio as long as one participant in the conversation (which could be the driver) consents. However, it is advisable to inform passengers if audio is being recorded to avoid privacy issues.
- Dash cam footage is admissible in court if it is relevant, authentic, and unaltered.
Table: Arizona Dash Cam Rules
| Rule/Aspect | Requirement/Limit |
|---|---|
| Legality | Legal to use and install |
| Driver’s Side | Max 5-inch square, lower corner of windshield |
| Passenger Side | Max 7-inch square, lower corner of windshield |
| Obstruction | Must not block driver’s view outside allowed areas |
| Audio Recording | One-party consent required; notify passengers if possible |
| Use in Court | Admissible if relevant and unaltered |
Key Points
- Improper mounting (outside the allowed areas or exceeding size limits) can result in fines or tickets.
- Always preserve footage properly for legal use, especially in accident claims.
- Informing passengers about audio/video recording is recommended for privacy compliance.
Dash cams are widely permitted in Arizona, provided they are mounted according to state-specific windshield obstruction laws and used in compliance with privacy and consent regulations. Properly installed and managed, dash cams can be valuable for documenting incidents and supporting insurance or legal claims.
Sources
- https://gilllawfirm.us/the-role-of-dashcam-footage-in-arizona-auto-accident-claims/
- https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
- https://www.azuga.com/blog/dash-cam-laws
- https://arizonapersonalinjuryattorneys.net/arizona-dash-cam-laws/
- https://facit.ai/insights/dash-cam-laws-by-state