Legal Placement of Dash Cam: Your Guide to Safe and Smart Mounting

You want to feel safe while driving after you install your new Redtiger dash cam. But you also need to think about the rules. For safety and to stay out of trouble, it's important to know where to put your dash cam legally.

It's not just about what feels right when you choose where to put your dash cam.

A police officer might stop you if they see something on your windshield that makes it hard for you to see. A camera in the middle or a big mount could catch people's attention. Bad placement tickets cost you time and money.

When you drive, you need to be able to see as much of the road as possible. A small camera or mount can block part of your view and make things more dangerous. You might miss important things on the road if your dash cam is in the wrong place.

You want great video, so you put a Redtiger dash cam in your car. If you mount it the wrong way, it might only record your dashboard or the sky. The spot you pick is important for what your camera sees.

There are important parts in your car, like airbags and sensors, in the front seats and near the windows. Putting the dash cam in the wrong place doesn't just block your view. Your camera could become a dangerous thing in your car if an airbag goes off and it gets in the way.

You might be curious about who decides where to put your dash cam when you buy one. Depending on where you are, you will see differences.

There is no law in the United States that says where everyone can put their dash cam. Each state, on the other hand, makes its own rules. You can't use one rule for the legal placement of dash cams on windshields across the country because each state is different.

Most states don't care about the camera itself. They care about what you can see through the windshield. There will be laws on the glass that say "no non-transparent items." This rule may not apply if your camera or its mount gets in the way of what you can see.

A lot of places say things like "materially obstructs the driver's view." Police officers have a lot of options when it comes to stopping people. If an officer thinks your dash cam is blocking your view, they might pull you over and give you a ticket.

States sometimes say that safety gear is okay if you put it in a specific spot. You might be wondering if your dash cam counts. The law usually doesn't consider cameras to be safety equipment unless it says so.

There will be some limits on where and how you can put things on your windshield.

In many states, anything solid or not see-through on the windshield is not allowed. That means your dash cam and its suction cup might not be legal in those places. Even if the lens is clear, the rest of your device matters too.

Some states do let you put something on your windshield, but only in certain spots. There might be a rule about a 5-inch area on the bottom driver's side or a 7-inch area on the bottom passenger side. These spaces are small, so you have to measure before you stick your dash cam there.

The middle part of your windshield is special because you look through it every time you drive. Most states say you can't put anything there. If you put your dash cam in the middle, it will usually break the law and block your view.

Some people forget about side and back windows, but the rules can cover those areas too. Putting stickers, cameras or anything else on those windows could also get you in trouble.

Since the laws about dash cam mounting are different from place to place, knowing what your own state expects is important.

Some states do not let you put anything on your windshield at all. If you live or drive in these places, putting your dash cam on the glass can bring trouble. For example, Minnesota and Pennsylvania have these rules.

Other states tell you exactly where you can put your dash cam. In California, for example, you can use a small area in a corner. If you keep your camera in that space, you are usually fine.

Some places are less exact. They say you can't block your important field of view but do not give measurements. In these states, you can put the camera where an officer cannot say it blocks your sight.

You can get a quick overview of dash cam laws by state and see what's allowed in your area by checking out this guide: Dash Cam Laws by State: What Every Driver Needs to Know in 2025

If you want your camera to work well and not get you in trouble, there are methods you can follow that help with both safety and the law.

You help yourself by mounting your dash cam right behind your rearview mirror. The mirror already blocks part of your view, so putting the camera there does not make things worse.

If you cannot place your dash cam behind the mirror, pick the top part of the passenger side. It does not block your view when you drive and keeps the camera out of your way.

Large cameras and mounts draw eyes and take up more space. A compact Redtiger dash cam is better because it hides behind the mirror more easily.

Loose cables are not only messy but also risky. They can catch on things and distract you. Secure your dash cam's cables along the sides and tuck them in where possible.

Some areas near the mirror have important car sensors. You do not want to block these with your mount. Move your dash cam if you see black dots, plastic or other sensors.

Traveling between states with your dash cam can be confusing because laws change from place to place.

The law about dash cam placement in your state may not be the same in a new state. A legal mount at home might not be accepted when you cross a border.

For the safest trip, choose a location for your dash cam that works even in states with tough rules. Mounting behind the rearview mirror fits the law in most places.

Keep a backup mount in your glove box when you travel. If you are told to move your dash cam by police, say you can fix it and use your extra mount.

Before you leave, take some time to check the rules for dash cam placement in each state on your trip. A quick search helps you avoid trouble.

To ensure you follow the rules for dash cam placement, it's best to check official sources and state regulations before mounting your camera. Any information from third parties may have limitations; therefore, always verify it with authoritative sources.

Most state Department of Motor Vehicles websites have a section that talks about rules for drivers and their cars. You can learn about windshield laws and see what's allowed by going to their website. Check the pages on "vehicle equipment"or "windshield visibility" for new information.

You can also use a search engine to find out what the law is in your state. Type "vehicle code windshield obstruction" or something similar along with the name of your state. Check for information about cameras, materials that aren't see-through, or places where you can mount things.

A lot of lawyers have blogs that explain the traffic laws in their area. You can quickly learn about dash cam rules in plain language by reading these. They often show you where you can and can't mount your camera with examples and pictures.

If you're not sure, ask a police officer or someone who works at your police station. They deal with windshield rules every day and often know exactly how the law is enforced where you live. The rulebook always has the best answer, but talking to someone can help you avoid surprises.

A dash cam itself is completely legal to use. The key is making sure it's installed in the right spot. Following each state's rules for the Legal Placement of Dash Cam helps you avoid tickets and keeps your view of the road clear. Place it correctly, stay compliant, and let your dash cam do its job—protecting you every time you drive.