New Jersey Dash Cam Regulations: Key Facts for Drivers in 2024. Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, are now becoming very popular among drivers who wish to feel safer on the road. They are very useful evidence in case of an accident, help to record cases of careless driving, and can even be used in fighting traffic violations.
Before installing one in New Jersey, though, it is crucial to know the laws regarding how to use a dash cam. Here is a list of the most important rules and laws about using a dash cam in New Jersey.
Are Dash Cams Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, you can have a dash cam in New Jersey. The laws do not say that you cannot use a dash cam in your private car.
However, there are general rules that you need to follow so that your dash cam setup will not obstruct your view or distract you while driving.
NJSA 39:3-74 states the putting of things on your windshield is illegal in the state of New Jersey. Anything that could obstruct the line of sight of the driver’s is illegal. This includes stickers and decorations, as well as devices.
In order to follow the law, it is important that you mount your dash cam in a way that will not hinder your view. It would be best if you put it near the rearview mirror or even on the dashboard so that it does not obstruct the view of the driver.
Privacy Concerns and Audio Recording
It is legal to record conversations in New Jersey if one party agrees to it. This is otherwise known as “one-party consent.” If you are driving alone, it is okay to record sound.
But if you have passengers in your car with you, it is polite and could be the law to let them know that the dash cam is recording sound, especially if the footage could be used as proof in a court case.
If the passengers didn’t know they were being recorded, not telling them about the recording could cause privacy issues or legal problems.
Using Dash Cam Footage as Evidence
Dash cam footage in New Jersey courts is usually allowed so long as it is relevant and has not been changed. This video is very helpful in traffic disputes, accidents, and insurance claims as it shows what happened without any bias.
Ensure that the timestamp on your dash cam footage is accurate and that it is securely stored so that it will be admissible in court. Some dash cams have the feature of making it impossible to change the video files, which is very important in legal matters.
Commercial Vehicle Dash Cams
There could possibly be different rules for any commercial vehicle, like how rideshare drivers use certain vehicles. New Jersey could make it more difficult by law to use recording devices as a way of protecting people’s privacy.
For instance, most rideshare companies require their drivers to inform passengers that they are using recording devices. For this reason, if you will be using a dash cam for work, you should seek the specific rules from your boss or the rideshare service provider.
It is also a good idea to inform passengers that there is a recording device present since it lowers the chances of privacy-related complaints.
Insurance Discounts for Dash Cams
Some insurance companies reward the use of dash cams in cars, which can determine the party at fault for the accident.
Even though the discounts are not provided by New Jersey insurance law, you should contact your insurance provider to see if such benefits are available.
You can also prevent raising your rates by proving you are not responsible for causing an accident and providing proof of driving safely.
Conclusion
Dash cam is helpful to the drivers in New Jersey. There are a few things they must do. First, it must always ensure that where you are putting your dash cam meets the laws in your state on visibility.
Also, do not share any recordings with other people as it could invade their privacy, and make sure that your footage stays safe and has not been tampered with.
You can use your dash cam legally and responsibly in New Jersey if you know the rules. This will help protect you and your rights on the road.
