Have you ever wondered if it is allowed to install a surveillance camera in your car? Whether to protect your vehicle or to monitor your journeys, the question is legitimate. But the answer is not that simple and depends on several factors. In this article, we will give you all the information you need to know if you can install a surveillance camera in your car. This practice is increasingly common, particularly thanks to dashcams and on-board cameras equipped with wifi. But is it legal? Can we freely film our journeys? What are the legal limits that must not be crossed in terms of video surveillance and data recording? We will provide a clear answer to these questions while addressing the advantages and disadvantages of such a practice. Indeed, the use of dashcams can be considered as a valuable tool for road safety or even as a real invasion of the privacy of passers-by. We will also see how these images can constitute evidence in the event of an accident or be used by the police as part of a criminal investigation. But before that, let’s take a look at the legal framework around this emerging technology which raises so many questions: video recording on board motor vehicles. Other articles on automobiles on this site
The different types of car surveillance cameras
There are several types of car surveillance cameras, including:
- The dashcam: a small camera fixed on the dashboard which allows you to continuously record what is happening in front of and behind the vehicle. It can be used as evidence in the event of an accident or traffic offense.
- The on-board camera: a camera that is fixed inside the vehicle, generally on the windshield. It can be used to monitor the interior of the vehicle or as evidence in the event of an accident.
- The wifi camera: a wireless camera that uses the vehicle’s wifi network to transmit images in real time to a smartphone or computer.
Laws governing the use of surveillance cameras in your car
In France, the use of surveillance cameras is regulated by law. Indeed, according to the CNIL (Commission Nationale Informatique et Libertés), the installation of a camera in a private place must respect certain criteria: it must be justified by a legitimate reason (protection of property and people), proportionate to the aim sought. and its installation must be brought to the attention of the people concerned. When used in your car, these criteria must therefore be respected, particularly those relating to notification of the persons concerned. If you wish to install a camera in your vehicle, it is recommended to warn your passengers as well as the people filmed outside the vehicle (pedestrians, other drivers).
The advantages of installing a camera in your car
Several advantages can justify the installation of an on-board camera or other type of video device:
- Protection against burglaries: with a camera installed discreetly on board the vehicle, there is less risk that the thief will try anything.
- Protection against attacks: A camera can deter certain malicious individuals.
- Evidence in the event of an accident: In the event of a collision or other road incident, having filmed the facts can allow insurance companies as well as the police or gendarmerie to establish responsibilities.
- Vacation memories: A dashcam can also be used to record your vacations and journeys to keep a lasting memory.
Legal limits not to be crossed
Despite the undeniable advantages that these in-car video devices can offer; there are certain legal limits that should absolutely not be crossed. Any abuse leading to violation of fundamental rights such as the right to respect for private life, for example, would be punishable by law. It is therefore prohibited:
- To film without explicit authorization
- To publish without explicit consent
- To voluntarily film certain intimate parts
In summary
The use of on-board cameras in general and more specifically those used in your car offers certain significant advantages but also certain important legal constraints which must be scrupulously respected in order to avoid any subsequent legal risk.