Understanding Dash Cam Regulations in Arizona

Published On: April 30, 2025

Understanding Dash Cam Regulations in Arizona

Arizona permits the use of dash cams, but the state enforces specific regulations regarding their placement, size, and use-particularly to prevent obstruction of the driver’s view and to address privacy concerns. Understanding these rules is crucial for drivers to avoid fines, ensure admissibility of footage in court, and protect themselves legally.

Legality of Dash Cams in Arizona

Dash cams are legal for use by private citizens in Arizona, with no law prohibiting their installation or use in vehicles.
Arizona law allows drivers to record both inside and outside their vehicles and to use this footage as evidence in legal proceedings, such as car accident claims.

Mounting and Placement Rules

Arizona’s dash cam regulations are primarily focused on visibility and safety:

Windshield Restrictions: Arizona Revised Statute 28-959.01 regulates what can be attached to a vehicle’s windshield. Any material, including dash cams, must not obstruct the driver’s clear view through any window or mirror.
Permissible Mounting Locations and Sizes:
- Driver’s Side: A dash cam can be mounted in the lower corner of the windshield closest to the driver, but it must not exceed five square inches in size.
- Passenger Side: A dash cam may be mounted in the lower corner of the windshield farthest from the driver, with a maximum size of seven square inches.
Dashboard Mounting: Dash cams can also be mounted on the dashboard, provided they do not impede the driver’s view of the road. This is often the safest and most compliant option.
Obstruction Penalties: Improperly mounted dash cams that block the driver’s vision can result in traffic citations. If an illegally placed dash cam contributes to an accident, the driver may be found partially or fully at fault.

Audio Recording and Privacy Laws

Audio Recording Consent: Arizona is a one-party consent state for audio recording. This means you can record conversations if at least one party (including yourself) consents to the recording. However, it is considered best practice to notify passengers that audio recording is taking place, especially for rideshare or taxi drivers.
Privacy Considerations: While recording in public spaces is generally not considered an invasion of privacy, recording on private property or private conversations without consent could raise legal issues and potentially render footage inadmissible in court.

Use of Dash Cam Footage in Court

Admissibility: Dash cam footage is typically admissible in Arizona courts if it is relevant to the case and was obtained legally. This includes footage of accidents, traffic violations, or other incidents.
Limitations: Footage may be excluded if it was recorded in violation of privacy laws (for example, audio recording without consent) or if it documents events on private property without permission.
Evidence for and Against: Dash cam footage can support your case or be used against you if it shows you were at fault. Deleting or selectively presenting footage after an incident may be considered destruction of evidence, which is a crime.

Best Practices for Dash Cam Use in Arizona

Mount the dash cam in a legally permitted area: Lower corner of the windshield (driver’s side, ≤5 sq in; passenger side, ≤7 sq in) or on the dashboard without obstructing your view.
Inform passengers if audio is being recorded, particularly in rideshare or commercial vehicles.
Regularly check dash cam placement to ensure it remains compliant and does not shift to obstruct your view.
Preserve all footage after an incident, as tampering or deletion can have legal consequences.
Consider legal advice before submitting footage as evidence, especially if it may show you in a negative light.

Arizona Dash Cam Regulations

Regulation Area	Rule/Requirement
Legality	Dash cams are legal for private use
Windshield Placement	Lower driver’s side (≤5 sq in); lower passenger side (≤7 sq in)
Dashboard Placement	Allowed if not obstructing driver’s view
Audio Recording	One-party consent required; notify passengers when possible
Court Admissibility	Footage generally admissible if legally obtained and relevant
Obstruction Penalty	Fines or liability if dash cam blocks view or contributes to an accident

Dash cams are a valuable tool for Arizona drivers, but legal compliance is essential. By following state-specific mounting and privacy laws, drivers can use dash cams safely and effectively-protecting themselves while staying on the right side of the law.