Dash cams are legal in Vermont, but their use is subject to specific regulations regarding placement and obstruction of the driver’s view.
Mounting and Placement Rules
- Lower Right Windshield:
You may mount a dash cam in the lower right-hand corner of the windshield, provided the device is less than 4 inches in height and 12 inches in length. - Upper Left Windshield:
Alternatively, you can mount a dash cam in the upper left-hand corner, but it must be no larger than 2 inches high and 2.5 inches long. - Obstruction:
The dash cam must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. Mounting a device outside these specified areas or exceeding the size limits can result in fines.
Recording Laws and Privacy
- Video Recording:
Recording video in public spaces, such as roads, is generally legal in Vermont. - Audio Recording:
Vermont is a one-party consent state for audio recording, meaning you can record conversations in your vehicle as long as one party (which can be you) consents. However, it is good practice to inform passengers that audio recording is taking place.
Use of Dash Cam Footage
- Court Admissibility:
Dash cam footage is allowed in court if it was obtained in compliance with Vermont’s recording and privacy laws.
Table
| Placement Location | Maximum Size Allowed |
|---|---|
| Lower right windshield | 4 inches high, 12 inches long |
| Upper left windshield | 2 inches high, 2.5 inches long |
Key Takeaways
- Dash cams are legal in Vermont.
- Placement is restricted to the lower right or upper left windshield corners within specific size limits.
- The device must not obstruct the driver’s view.
- Vermont is a one-party consent state for audio recording, but notifying passengers is recommended.
- Properly obtained dash cam footage is admissible in court.
Sources
[1] https://www.expertmarket.com/dash-cams/dash-cam-laws-by-state
[2] https://matrackinc.com/dash-cam-laws-by-states/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/vermont/comments/lxqsfb/dashcam_location_dash_or_windshield/
[4] https://facit.ai/insights/dash-cam-laws-by-state
[5] https://gpstrackit.com/blog/what-are-the-dashcam-regulations-in-each-state/