Do I Need a Dash Cam in My Vehicle in Virginia?

Aug 17, 2022 | Auto Accidents

Finger pointing towards car dash cam

Whether you need a dash cam or not depends heavily on your driving purpose and the assets you keep in and on your vehicle. But before you rush out to purchase one of these cameras, you should read up on the laws surrounding them in Virginia to ensure you purchase legal equipment that would help you in case of an accident instead of leading to a ticket.

Virginia Dash Cam Laws

The largest consideration for having a dash cam in Virginia is ensuring that it does not include a screen that shows motion pictures in the driver’s view.

Virginia § 46.2-1077 specifically stipulates:

“No motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth shall be equipped with, nor shall there be used therein, a television receiver when the moving images are visible to the driver while the vehicle is in motion. The operator of a motor vehicle that is not required to be registered in the Commonwealth shall not operate a television receiver that violates the provisions of this section while driving in the Commonwealth.”

That means that even if you’re just passing through Virginia during a commercial trip, you’ll need to deactivate the camera’s screen to avoid a ticket for failing to comply.

What you’ll notice about the law is that there is nothing that prohibits the use of video recording devices. So using a dash cam is completely legal so long as the driver is not watching the feed on a screen while operating the vehicle.

What Types of Screens Are Permitted in Virginia?

While Virginia law is fairly strict about screens within the driver’s view, it also allows for many types of displays that can aid in operation and navigation. The law allows for the following:

  • Displays for use in-vehicle navigation and mapping or digital dispatch systems
  • Video monitors that display rear-view video feed for use in backing
  • Law enforcement TV receivers or monitors in approved vehicles
  • Displays that help a driver operate their vehicle safely
  • Vehicle information display
  • Displays that help a driver view its occupants
  • Receivers used for safety or traffic engineering information
  • Factory-installed displays used for the “driving task” to operate a vehicle

 

Benefits of Installing a Dash Cam

When done in compliance with Virginia law, dash cameras offer many great benefits.

  1. Reduces fraudulent insurance claims from criminals trying to get money from you.
  2. Deters theft of your vehicle or its contents. When a thief sees your dash camera or rear-facing camera, they are less likely to consider targeting your vehicle. Many cameras feature surveillance mode for when a vehicle is parked. This is especially helpful for truck drivers who haul valuable goods.
  3. Provides peace of mind for drivers and their loved ones. When you have a young, inexperienced driver on the roads, installing dash cams on their vehicle can provide some peace of mind and added protection for them.
  4. Record fun footage of the places you’ve been. If you have a big road trip planned, installing a dash cam can help you capture the scenery and share it after your trip. 

 

Risks of Installing a Dash Cam

Although dash cameras have many great benefits, they also include some risks you should know about before installing.

  1. Having a dash camera can be distracting because it must be mounted near your windshield to capture the road ahead. That means reduced visibility and interruptions to your peripheral vision. 
  2. It can record mistakes you make behind the wheel. While a dash cam can be beneficial for showing the mistakes other drivers made that led to an accident, it can also show what you do wrong. It’s admissible in court as evidence in accident cases.

 

If you suffered injuries due to a truck accident, your attorney can help you acquire the truck’s dash camera footage as a key piece of evidence in the case. Geoff McDonald & Associates will help you recover financially from a car or truck accident. Schedule your free consultation now.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Trucking Safety Regulations May Influence Your Case in Virginia

    Virginia truck drivers and commercial trucking company owners must observe certain state and federal safety rules. As an accident victim, showing that the liable party violated one of these laws can reinforce your case and help you claim compensation. Let’s examine a...

    Why Drinking, Drugs and Driving are a Dangerous Combination

    Do you want to be the cause of a senseless tragedy? Each year, countless lives are lost because people decide to drink or drug and drive. It’s an irresponsible act that recklessly endangers not only your life, but also those of innocent bystanders. Whether you’re a...

    What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Richmond, Virginia?

    According to Virginia’s car crash map, over 5,700 vehicle accidents occurred in Richmond, VA, in 2022. While a car accident can happen anywhere, some intersections in Richmond are notorious for their high number of crashes. So which intersections in Richmond pose the...

    What Is the Statute of Limitations After a Virginia Truck Accident?

    Did you suffer injuries in a Virginia truck accident? You may be able to sue the truck driver or the trucking company, but you must file your claim within a specified time limit called the statute of limitations. Virginia courts enforce this deadline very strictly and...

    Do Tractor Trailers Have a Black Box?

    One of the first orders or business after a truck crash is to request access to the tractor trailer’s black box. Black boxes often contain critical evidence that can help establish the facts of the accident and support your claim. However, the law requires trucking...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald