Are Dash Cams Legal in Texas?

Many drivers wonder, “Are dash cams legal?” These compact cameras, often mounted on a windshield or dashboard, have become popular for adding a layer of security on the road. In Texas, dash cams are lawful provided they do not block the driver’s clear view or interfere with airbag deployment. State law prohibits objects on windshields, side, or rear windows that create an obstruction, and while audio recording is permitted under one-party consent, it is wise to notify passengers. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we know how to turn dash cam footage into a valuable tool, guiding clients through the legal process and protecting their rights after an accident. Read on to discover how these devices can work to your advantage.

What Is a Dash Cam?

A dash cam, or dashboard camera, is a small device mounted inside a vehicle to record video while driving. Depending on the model, it can capture footage of the road ahead, activity inside the cabin, or both. Many units also include audio recording, GPS tracking, and cloud storage. At the same time, once popular only with professional drivers, dash cams are now widely used by everyday motorists in Texas.

These cameras often prove valuable when reconstructing an accident or showing how an incident occurred. By capturing real-time evidence, a dash cam can provide a perspective that eyewitness testimony sometimes cannot.

Benefits of Having a Dash Cam

There are several reasons Texas drivers choose to install dash cams:

• Evidence in accidents: Clear video can help establish fault in a collision and protect against false claims.
• Insurance disputes:Carriers may be more likely to resolve claims quickly when presented with objective footage.
• Safety monitoring: Parents often use dash cams to observe teen driving habits, while commercial operators monitor employee conduct.
• Deterring misconduct: The visible presence of a camera can discourage aggressive driving or road rage behavior.

From our perspective as personal injury lawyers, the most significant benefit comes when footage is admitted as reliable evidence in a case. It can be the difference between a prolonged dispute and a fair settlement.

Are the Recordings Legal in Texas?

Texas allows dash cam use, but the law requires careful compliance with visibility and privacy statutes. Under the Texas Transportation Code §547.613, drivers cannot place objects on the windshield or windows that obstruct a clear view of the road. This means a dash cam must be mounted in a way that does not interfere with safe driving.

Another provision, Transportation Code §547.611, restricts drivers from viewing moving images on a screen visible from the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in motion. In practice, most dash cam displays automatically turn off while driving, which satisfies this requirement.

Audio and passenger recordings are also a frequent concern. Texas follows a “one-party consent” rule under state wiretapping laws, so long as one participant in the conversation (such as the driver) agrees to the recording, it is lawful. However, the best practice is to inform passengers to avoid disputes.

According to the official Texas Legislature website, these statutes reflect the state’s effort to balance road safety with drivers’ rights to record.

When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Texas

Many drivers ask, “Are dash cams legal?” Yet the real question often comes after a crash: Will that footage truly make a difference in securing justice? Video alone does not stop insurers from twisting facts or undervaluing claims. That is where decisive legal representation becomes critical.

At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we treat dash cam evidence as more than a clip of road footage—we see it as a tool to uncover the truth. Our team moves quickly to:

• Authenticate recordings before they can be challenged.
• Expose tactics insurers use to dismiss or downplay video evidence.
• Combine dash cam footage with expert testimony and investigation to build a persuasive case.

We have stood in Texas courtrooms for decades, prepared to fight when negotiations stall. For us, every case is an opportunity to turn evidence into action—and action into results.

Talk to Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn Today

The answer to “are dash cams legal?” is only the beginning—how that footage is used can decide the outcome of your case. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we move quickly to protect injured clients and challenge insurance companies that try to undermine valid claims. Our trial-tested team knows how to turn recordings into results. Call 817-920-9000 today or complete our free case review form to put your evidence to work. Dash cam footage can strengthen your case, but we build the rest. 

Meet John Cummings

As a Fort Worth native and a double-Board Certified trial lawyer, John Cummings is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured. With a track record that includes record-setting verdicts and multi-million dollar settlements, he is an aggressive advocate who isn’t afraid to take on tough cases.

• Named a Top Personal Injury Lawyer by Fort Worth, Texas magazine.
• Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2003.
• Holds two Board Certifications in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law.

Free case consultation call us at (817) 920-9000