Dashcams 101: What they do, where to install them and what to buy
While many modern vehicles now come with inbuilt surround cameras, there are many cars on the road in Australia that require third-party dashcams to enable the same level of visibility, security and peace of mind. A dashcam can provide valuable evidence after a crash, record unexpected road events and even help deter theft or vandalism when parked. Yet before you install one, it’s worth understanding how to do so legally – and how privacy laws apply when recording on public roads.
Are dashcams legal in Australia?
Yes — dashcams are legal to own and use in every Australian state and territory, provided they’re fitted correctly and don’t obstruct your view of the road. The key rules vary slightly between jurisdictions, but the general principles are the same.
Best practice:
- Mount the dashcam behind the rear-view mirror so it doesn’t block your line of sight (see more on this below.)
- Avoid attaching it to tinted areas of the glass or anywhere within the driver’s field of vision.
- Use a secure mount or adhesive pad rather than a suction cup that may detach mid-drive.
- For smaller cars, do not use a dashcam larger than 5.5 inches.
- In NSW, follow the Transport NSW fact sheet for best placement.
Where can I mount a dashcam?
Correct placement of a dashcam unit is crucial to avoid obstructing the driver's vision.
- Behind the rearview mirror: Mount high behind the rear-view mirror, with the lens pointing slightly downwards to capture both the road and horizon.
- Rear window: Mount high on the rear window near the centre, ensuring it doesn’t block the demister or brake light.
- Check the angle: Aim for roughly half road and half sky in the viewfinder to prevent glare from headlights or overexposure in bright conditions.
How to use a dashcam
Most dashcams operate on a simple “set and forget” basis, starting automatically when you turn the ignition. They continuously record video on a memory card, overwriting the oldest files once full — a feature known as loop recording.
When looking to buy a dashcam, consider:
- How to power it: Plug the dashcam into your car’s 12V outlet or have it professionally hardwired into the fuse box.
- Automatic recording: Check the camera starts when you switch on the ignition and stops when the vehicle powers down.
- Impact detection: Make sure it features a built-in sensor locks and saves footage if it detects a sudden jolt or collision.
- Parking mode: Many modern dashcams continue recording while parked using a small internal battery or hardwired connection.
- Viewing footage: Check the dashcam enables you to watch videos via the dashcam’s display, a mobile app, or by removing the microSD card to view on a computer.
Legal considerations
Drivers may rely on dashcam footage to prove who is at fault in a collision. Be mindful of these rules to ensure your footage is legally admissible if you need it.
- Disable audio recording: Recording audio inside the vehicle without the consent of all occupants is generally illegal across Australia. In NSW, doing so breaches the Surveillance Devices Act. It is best practice to disable the audio recording function.
- Consider privacy: Recording on public roads is legal because there’s no expectation of privacy in a public space. However, recording inside private property - such as driveways, garages or car parks - may raise privacy concerns.
- Sharing footage: Think twice before posting dashcam clips online. Footage that identifies people or number plates could lead to defamation or privacy complaints. Instead use official police upload portals, such as NSW Police’s Blulink, Victoria’s Crimestoppers or Queensland’s Policelink, to share dashcam video directly.
- Evidence in court: Ensure the dashcam’s time and date stamps are correct. Keep original files unedited, as modified footage may not be admissible.
Which dashcam should I buy?
Choosing a dashcam comes down to what you want it to do. Entry-level models typically cover the front view only, which may be enough to capture incidents ahead. But for complete protection, especially in busy urban traffic or multi-vehicle situations, a system that records multiple angles can make all the difference.
Australia’s leading dashcam brand, Navman, has launched the MiVue™ True 4K Pro Surround, the first of its kind to record front, rear and side impact zones in ultra-clear detail. This three-camera setup captures everything from subtle sideswipes to rear-end collisions, making it easier to see exactly what happened.
The system combines a True 4K Ultra HD (8 megapixel) front camera with True 2.5K (5 megapixel) rear and side cameras. The side camera, neatly built into the rear unit, records vehicles merging or passing too close; scenarios that single-lens systems often miss.
Beyond incident recording, the MiVue™ True 4K Pro Surround doubles as a real-time safety assistant. It offers speed, red-light and school-zone alerts, along with ADAS features like lane departure, front and rear collision warnings and driver fatigue alerts - helping you stay aware and avoid costly mistakes on the road.
If an accident does occur, the dashcam automatically saves the footage and sends it straight to your phone via EZYSHARE Wi-Fi, ready to forward to police or your insurer. And with Parking Mode (enabled with the optional MiVue™ Smartbox IV), it continues to monitor your car while parked, capturing any hit-and-run or attempted theft, offering reassurance that lasts long after you’ve switched off the engine.
Whether you’re protecting your no-claim bonus or simply want another layer of security, a surround-view dashcam like the MiVue™ True 4K Pro Surround can make sure you’ve always got your side of the story.
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