The wrong placement of dash cams in cars could result in fines or penalty points on your licence, drivers are being warned.
Experts at Road Angel have explained where dash cams should be placed on the windscreen, with the help of an image showing the 'danger' zone. Failure to keep dash cams out of the ‘red zone’, impinging on the driver's view, could lead to penalty points.
Dash cams with suction cups allow motorists to place the equipment anywhere on the windscreen so it is easy for drivers to get the placement wrong. The devices provide an unfiltered recording of any accidents which drivers may be involved in, or witness, giving reliable evidence to the police to examine.
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Insurance companies will also often give out discounts for those who install a dash cam - favouring those motorists who are willing to commit to safety. But despite being a useful tool, many dash cam owners are unaware their placement may actually be making them less safe and they may be breaking the law.
The Highway Code states that dash cams must not block any view of the road ahead - as the windscreen must be kept free from any obstructions to vision. The Department for Transport further states that dash cams cannot be placed any more than 40mm into the swept area of the windscreen wipers (zone ‘B’) and no more than 10mm of intrusion of zone ‘A’.
Zone ‘X’ is the danger zone - and any dash cam placed here will mean the motorist is subject to serious driving offences as it will obstruct a clear vision of the road ahead. If placed incorrectly, drivers will be breaking the law and any footage could be deemed as unreliable if the dash cam was blocking full view of the road ahead.
Experts have found that drivers want to fit dash cams in their line of sight because they feel the screen must be there for looking at. But actually, the best place for these safety recording devices is at the top centre of the windscreen, next to the rearview mirror. This way the camera can still record a full view of both sides of the road ahead, whilst not blocking any view for the driver.
Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel, said: "Putting the dash cam in a position which blocks any vision for you whilst driving is an absolute no-go - you can be subject at the very minimum to three penalty points on your licence.
"Improper placement could also cause you to be charged with dangerous driving and not having proper control of the vehicle - which could mean going to court with an unlimited fine and potential driving ban. I know that many of us are tempted to put the dash cam in our line of sight because the screen seems like it should be there for us to look at - but this could easily lead to distractions and dangerous driving. It’s why we don’t recommend buying a dash cam with a screen.
"The best place to put your dash cam is high up right by your rearview mirror, that way the camera can capture both sides of the road and doesn’t cause any obstruction. Any footage which was captured from a dash cam blocking the view of the road ahead could be deemed as insufficient and actually be used against you for driving dangerously without clear vision.
"Dash cams are a great safety addition to all vehicles but it’s crucial to understand where you should place one - at the top of your windscreen next to the rearview mirror is the best spot.
"It’ll capture a clear view of all the road ahead without being an obstruction to the driver. Otherwise, risk three penalty points on your licence, or being heavily penalised for dangerous driving."
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