Dashboard cameras – or dashcams, as they’re now commonly known – are not so much “all the rage” these days as they are semi-permanent fixtures for sole traders and entire fleets alike. While originally used by people who simply wanted to record a trip for leisure purposes, they’ve quickly become a valuable tool in documenting when and where accidents happen, or to keep track of journeys that are important to consumers or professional drivers themselves. As a result, nearly one in every five drivers now uses a dashcam.
But before we offer you our top tips on what to look out for when buying your dashcam, it’s worth understanding the law around them – especially if you’re a tradesman working overseas.
Dashcams: Rules of the road
Yet while dashcams are legal on British roads – in some cases, they can actually lower insurance premiums with certain companies – there are still things to bear in mind. The AA recently said drivers were all too often sharing their videos online, and while there’s no reasonable expectation of privacy when driving on public roads, people are warned to only use dashcam footage for insurance claims or other official lines of inquiry relating to incidents.
Rules on dashcams are more strictly in force around Europe:
- Luxembourg: Banned outright
- Portugal, Belgium: Videos can only be shared online with both parties’ permission
- Germany, Austria: Use is frowned upon by authorities
- Italy: Number plates are private, so need to be blurred
Much like when you’re ensuring you have the relevant safety kits for the countries you’re driving in, be sure to check you also comply with international dashcam legislation and do your research before you set off.
What do you look out for when buying a dashcam?
Price
Dashcams can cost anything from £25 to over £300, but like any technology, the price reflects quality, as well as the number of features it has. Below, we’ll break down what we recommend you prioritise, alongside a couple of other things you may want to consider.
GPS
If you get into an accident, GPS can pinpoint exactly where you are when it happens, while also recording other metrics like speed and route.
Parking mode
Cameras switch off when you’re parked, but those with parking mode will automatically start recording again if they detect a collision while you’re away from the vehicle.
High-impact/G-force sensors
Memory cards on dashcams will be regularly overwritten with new journey recordings, but if a collision is detected, G-force sensors automatically ringfence these recordings so they can’t be overwritten.
Quality
Nearly all dashcams come with a minimum of 720p recording, which is sharp enough for most – though it’s nonetheless recommended you go for 1080p or higher. That said, higher resolution means more memory is used with each recording.
Single or multi-cam setup?
Most people are happy to opt for the single camera setup, pointing out of the front window. However, some drivers opt for multi-camera options, where the back and even the sides of their vehicle can also be monitored. The latter choice is generally more expensive, and can cost more to install; you might even need a professional to do it for you.
As we say, our only consistent rule of thumb is to readily accept that if you buy a cheaper model, it won’t be as comprehensive. Still, be sure to check out reviews online before you buy your dashcam – bargains still exist, and these good deals can make all the difference if you’re fitting out your entire fleet!
