Illinois Dash Cam Regulations: Key Facts for Drivers in 2024. Dash cams, also known as dash cameras, are becoming more and more popular among drivers as a way to record live video of accidents.
Dash cams are very useful, whether they are used for personal safety, to keep an eye on teen drivers, or to help settle traffic accident claims.
But Illinois, like many other states, has laws that indicate how these devices may be used. In Illinois, it is illegal to use a dash cam. This guide will help you understand those laws and make sure you are following them.
Is It Legal to Use a Dash Cam in Illinois?
In Illinois, use of a dash cam is quite legal. However, there exist certain important rules to ensure that it does not break any law regarding it. These rules are mostly about privacy issues and placement of the cam.
Placement of the Dash Cam
According to the Vehicle Code in Illinois, the things put on the windows of the car should not obstruct the view of the car’s driver.
625 ILCS 5/12-503 states that attachments that create a hazard and obstruct the driver’s view are illegal. Dash cam mounting directly on the windshield falls into this category.
The law of Illinois requires that the dash cam be placed in such a way that it does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. This dash cam may be placed either on the dashboard or near the rearview mirror, so long as it does not obstruct seeing.
Some motorists prefer mounting their dash cams on the windshield. If you do this, make sure not to do it in a way that violates the state’s rule on obstructions.
Audio and Video Recording Laws
A two-party consent state is Illinois. This makes everybody being taped have to agree to it. The rule is governed by this statute of the Illinois eavesdropping (720 ILCS 5/14-2). All conversations whether public or in private places are included.
Video Recording: It is normally acceptable to record video in public places, such as roads, where no one has a reasonable expectation of privacy. That means you are permitted to record video while driving on public roads.
When you record sound: things are different. If your dash cam records sound, such as conversations in your car or outside your car, you must obtain permission from everyone who will be recorded.
This law is still in effect even if the conversation occurs in your vehicle. For this reason, taping people in your vehicle without their consent is prohibited under Illinois law.
Consequences of Eavesdropping Violations
If you violate Illinois’s eavesdropping statute, bad things can happen. It is illegal to record audio without consent in Illinois and is a Class 4 offense.
You could be fined or get charged with a crime for doing this. To avoid all those run-ins with the law, be sure that your dash cam’s audio recording is either disabled or you get permission from every one to be recorded.
Commercial Dash Cams
There are also some rules in Illinois regarding dash cams in business vehicles. The FMCSA is responsible for commercial cars.
Dash cams are not technically illegal but should not obstruct the view of the driver. For the use of dash cams in commercial cars, it would be best to ensure you follow both the FMCSA rules and the Illinois state laws.
Using Dash Cam Footage as Evidence
Video from dash cams is often used in traffic disputes, to look into car accidents, and even in court cases. Video from a dash cam can be used as evidence in Illinois if it is important and was taken in the right way.
Your dash cam video of an accident that was not your fault, for example, could be very helpful in supporting your claim.
But dash cam footage with audio that was recorded without permission could be dismissed in court or, worse, used as evidence against you in a case for breaking Illinois laws against listening in on conversations.
Best Practices to Follow When Using a Police Cam in Illinois
Be certain you are not breaking Illinois law when you use your police cam by following these:
The Right Way to Mount the Dash Cam: Make sure that your dash cam does not get in the way of your view of the road. The dash cam should be placed on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror so it does not get in the way of seeing.
Turn Off Audio Recording: It is best to turn off the audio recording feature on your dash cam unless you have permission from everyone being filmed.
This is especially important if there are other people in the car or if you are using the dash cam to keep an eye on workers in business vehicles.
Be smart about how you use dash cam video. It can be very helpful if you are in an accident or a fight. Always make sure the video was obtained lawfully and any recordings used in court were done so under both Illinois and federal laws.
Keep up with the changes: privacy and car cam laws can change over time. Check Illinois’s driving and privacy laws often, or talk to a lawyer, to make sure you are always following the rules.
Conclusion
Dash cams can give you peace of mind and important evidence in car accidents, but you should know the Illinois rules that govern their use.
By placing the camera in the right position, by following privacy laws, and being smart on how you use the footage, you can enjoy your dash cam to the fullest without going to trouble with the law.
Always remember that Illinois has very strict laws against the listening of conversations, so you should follow the rules about recording sound and video to get out of trouble with the law.
