Drivers around the world use dashboard cameras, also called dash cams, to record what happens while they are driving and what other drivers do on the road. Dash cams are generally legal in all 50 states, but each state has rules about where they can be mounted and when audio recording is allowed.
Some states also have specific laws about dash cams. These laws may limit how a dash cam can be used or where it can be placed inside a vehicle. For example, a dash cam cannot block the driver’s view of the road.
In this blog, we explain the dash cam laws and rules you should know in Illinois. If you were hurt in a car accident through no fault of your own, the trusted Illinois car accident lawyers at Fabbrini Law Group may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
What is a Dashboard Camera?
A dashboard camera is a small digital camera placed inside a vehicle. Most dash cams record the road and the cars in front of the vehicle. However, they can be used in different ways and placed elsewhere in the car, such as on the rear window or side windows.
Different dash cams record different things. Some dash cams record both sound and video, while others only record video.
Drivers also use dash cams for different reasons. Some drivers place a dash cam facing the front windshield to record the road and capture events such as car accidents. Other drivers, such as rideshare drivers, may use a dash cam that records inside the vehicle so they can document passenger behavior or problems during a ride.
Is it Legal to Have a Dash Cam in Illinois?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Illinois. Dash cams are also legal in all 50 states. However, the rules about using them can be different in each state.
Illinois does not have a law written specifically for dash cams, but their use is regulated under other laws, such as windscreen obstruction rules and the state’s eavesdropping statute. Even so, there are still some rules you must follow if you want to record with one. If these rules are not followed, the video from your dash cam may not be allowed as evidence in court.
In Illinois, a dash cam cannot be placed in a way that blocks the driver’s clear view of the road. This rule is meant to make sure the camera does not block the driver’s view of the road.
If your dash cam only records video, you can usually use it without any problem. However, if a dash cam records audio, Illinois law may require consent from everyone involved in a private conversation where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Illinois is an ‘all-party consent’ state, which means everyone involved in a private conversation must agree before it can be recorded. This means that everyone involved in a private conversation must agree before the conversation can be recorded.
Because of this rule, if your dash cam records audio as well as video, you should ask your passengers for permission before recording any sound inside your vehicle.
In Illinois, you are allowed to record police officers while they are on duty in public. This means that if you are pulled over, you do not have to turn off your dash cam when it is recording your interaction with the officer.
This law is fairly new, so some websites may still say that it is illegal to record police officers in Illinois. In the past, recording police activity in the state could lead to serious criminal charges. A person could even face a felony charge and up to 15 years in prison. However, that is no longer the law today.
Can Dash Cam Footage Be Used in an Illinois Car Accident Lawsuit?
Yes. If you are in a car accident in Chicago, or if someone hits your parked car and drives away, dash cam footage from your vehicle can often be used in a personal injury case.
In a personal injury claim, the injured person or their Chicago car accident lawyer must show that another person acted carelessly and caused the crash. In other words, they must prove that someone else was at fault.
Dash cam video can help show what really happened during the accident. This footage may help a Chicago hit-and-run lawyer prove that another driver was responsible for the crash.
Talk to an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a car accident, you do not have to handle the situation on your own. An experienced Illinois car accident lawyer can review what happened and explain your options for seeking compensation.
To talk about your case, contact the Fabbrini Law Group today at (312) 494-3131 or reach out online to schedule a private case review. Our team can listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you decide what steps to take next.