The use of dashcams has increased significantly in recent years, and many drivers are wondering whether they are allowed to use these practical devices in a parked car. In this article, we will clarify the legal framework and the potential advantages and disadvantages of using dashcams in a parked car.
Dashcam: Definition & Increasing Popularity
A dashcam is a compact camera that is installed in the car, usually on the dashboard or windshield. The name is a combination of the English words "dashboard" and "camera". The way a dashcam works is simple: it switches on automatically as soon as the car is started and continuously records traffic. Most models have a battery life of up to an hour and can be charged via the cigarette lighter. All dashcam recordings are saved in short clips on a memory card, the format and size of which can of course vary depending on the model. These clips can capture simple landscape shots on vacation, be used to analyze your own driving style or, most commonly, be used as evidence in the event of an accident. Many modern dashcams are also equipped with additional features such as GPS tracking, G-sensors for detecting collisions and night vision. Some dashcams also have parking monitoring, which offers protection against vandalism. But where exactly do we draw the line when it comes to filming other people, at a time when data protection is more important and stricter than ever?
Are dashcams allowed in Germany?
A dashcam in the car is not prohibited in Germany, but certain rules and data protection regulations must be observed. The basic rule is that no one may be filmed against their will. This means that recordings of other people or their license plates may not be posted or published on the Internet without their consent, as this would violate the right to informational self-determination. Modern dashcams are usually designed to meet data protection requirements. They should have functions that enable filming "on an occasion-related" basis. This includes a loop function that prevents recordings from being saved permanently. Instead, the data is automatically overwritten after one hour unless it is manually saved or saved by the integrated G-sensor. This acceleration sensor detects collisions or an accident while driving and ensures that the corresponding recordings are automatically saved. Finally, cameras with parking mode should have a motion sensor that automatically activates the camera as soon as a vehicle moves or a person appears in the field of view.
Advantages of parking monitoring
Dashcams can be very useful when parking to document damage to the vehicle. For example, if you discover scratches in the paint after parking, a dashcam can help you determine whether someone acted intentionally or how the damage occurred. This can be particularly useful for having evidence in the event of insurance issues or legal disputes. A survey by ADAC found that 80% of respondents who use a dashboard camera for parking monitoring reported a decrease in car thefts and vandalism. These figures not only highlight the effectiveness of dashcams, but also their role as an effective deterrent for potential offenders. When criminals see a dashcam on the vehicle, it can deter them from damaging or stealing the car, as they are aware of the possibility of being filmed. In addition, it gives car owners an additional sense of security, knowing that if an incident does occur, they have valuable evidence on hand that can help solve crimes.
Can the car camera record in parking mode?
In Germany, the use of dashcams to monitor parked cars is generally permitted, but some important data protection guidelines must be observed. For example, the recorded material may only be used as evidence in court if the privacy of others is not compromised. It is therefore crucial to configure the dashcam to only record your own vehicle and its immediate surroundings, rather than the entire parking lot or street. Data protection authorities can impose fines for improper use of dashcams. However, as long as the recordings are not uploaded to the Internet and are only saved in the event of actual theft or vandalism, the dashcam can be used for parking surveillance without any concerns.
