The surge in the use of dash cameras across Australia has given drivers extra security and peace of mind on the road. Many Australians have relied on these handy devices for their safety. Buyers consider many reasons to have a dash cam, but a majority of them use these devices to gather evidence in the event of an accident, protect against insurance fraud, and store core memories during exciting road trips.
Dash cams have become a part of almost every Australian driver’s life on the road. In fact, according to Allianz Australia, one-fifth or 21% of all Aussie drivers were recording their car trips in 2019. In the same year, the West Australian said that the Insurance Council of Australia claims that 7% of drivers have a dash cam, while 13% said they intend to purchase one in the next 12 months.
But before you go ahead and mount a dash cam in your vehicle, you must consider and understand the dash cam laws by state, such as the legal placement of dash cams. Each state and territory in Australia has its own rules about where and how dash cams can be used– failure to comply with these local regulations can lead to legal troubles in the future.
Let’s dive in on how you can navigate the legal landscape surrounding these indispensable companions and how you can ensure that you use them properly and responsibly.
Dash Cam Laws by State
When it comes to dash cam placements, it is important to know your state’s specific guidelines. Improper installation can obstruct your view or violate privacy laws, which undermines the benefits of having a dash cam in the first place.
Australia's dash cam laws can be quite the maze, with each state having its own set of rules. To explain it clearly, you must remember that the use of dash cams is generally permitted across all states and territories, provided that it meets certain conditions. In all states, whether it’s New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and Australian Capital Territory, dash cams must not obstruct the driver's view and there is no issue on the driver’s ability to see the road and other vehicles.
With this, it is crucial to ensure that you have the right tools or the right people to install your dashcam properly. This is to avoid any obstruction to your view or any interference with the vehicle systems.
When it comes to audio recording, Australian laws are also consistent across the regions. Audio recording is only allowed if all parties involved provide their consent. This means that if you will use video footage from your dashcam for legal and insurance purposes, any audio captured without proper consent cannot be used as evidence and may even lead to legal issues.
Where Should You Place Your Dashcams?
There are two ideal places to ensure the legal placement of dashcams. Correct placement is important so you can capture clear footage and comply with the legal requirements. Below is a simple guide on where you should place them.
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On Your Windshield
You can place the dashcam behind the rearview mirror as this is the best place to ensure that the camera does not obstruct your view.
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On Your Dashboard
Some drivers prefer placing the dashcam on the dashboard. If you’re one of them, ensure that it’s placed low enough so as not to interfere with your view of your surroundings but high enough to capture the road adequately.
No matter where you choose to place your dashcam, you must remember that it should not block any sensors or safety systems and devices in your vehicle. While dashcams are important for several reasons, you must also observe other vehicle safety measures.
Reasons to Have a Dash Cam
Now that you’re aware and up to speed on the legalities in your state, you might be asking why you should consider installing a dash cam in your vehicle. Below are some compelling reasons why is it necessary:
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It Can Be Used as Evidence for Accidents
Dashcam footage provides unbiased and real-time evidence that can support your case in proving fault in accidents. You can use it for disputes and insurance claims. Statistics show that a huge chunk of dashcam owners in Australia said that their main reason for buying a dashcam is for insurance claims. Close to 50% meanwhile said that they purchased one to report reckless/illegal driving or other incidents when their car is parked.
In this regard, the DR970X from BlackVue is your new best friend. A 4K UHD cloud-ready dual-channel dash camera known for its high-quality footage and reliability, this device ensures that you capture your surroundings in HD so that in any untoward incident, you are protected and safe from fraud or any false accusations.
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It Can Protect You Against Fraud
According to Shine Lawyers, dashcam footage is used in over 30% of car accident claims in Australia, underlining its significance in the claims process​. As mentioned above, the real-time footage caught from the dashcam can serve as evidence for staged accidents which may be a form of insurance fraud. If your vehicle has a dash cam installed, you are protected against false claims.
However, you must remember that your dashcam, much like any other device, requires regular maintenance. Always keep the lens clean and ensure that your device is operational, otherwise, what’s the point? Stay safe on the roads, and make sure your dash cam is working for you, not against you.
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It Gives You Peace of Mind
They say there’s peace in not knowing everything, but when on the road there’s a sense of relief in knowing that everything is being recorded and you have evidence in cases of road accidents. Isn’t it nice to know that your dash cam has your back for any incident– hit-and-run, vandalism, road rage– through real-time footage that you can use as evidence to back up your story?
4wheelhouse offers a wide array of reverse dash cameras specifically designed to assist with reversing and parking, which enhances overall vehicle safety. In any event, if you are faced with an accident, these devices may give you the peace of mind that you have all the evidence you need.
Equip Your 4WD with the Best Dashcams at 4wheelhouse
Now that you’re all set and aware of the legalities, importance, and reasons for having a dashcam, time to equip your vehicle with high-quality dashcams that comply with Australian laws and regulations. Explore 4wheelhouse for all your road safety needs.