The Ultimate Guide: 7 Best Places to Mount Your Dash Cam for Maximum Safety
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ever wondered, where is the perfect place to mount a dash cam? You’re not alone. Dash cams have become an essential tool for drivers, offering protection against fraudulent claims, hit-and-runs, and reckless drivers. But choosing the wrong placement can block your view, violate local laws, or even render your footage useless in an accident.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the 7 best places to mount your dash cam—highlighting the pros and cons of each location, legal considerations, and expert installation tips to ensure your camera captures everything it needs to. Let’s dive in!
1. Behind the Rearview Mirror (Best Overall Placement)
If you want an optimal view without distractions, placing your dash cam behind the rearview mirror is the way to go. This location offers a centralized recording angle while keeping your camera out of your direct sightline.
✅ Pros:
- Provides a balanced view of the road ahead.
- Stays hidden from passengers and potential thieves.
- Doesn’t obstruct your driving visibility.
- Works well with most legal guidelines.
❌ Cons:
- Some vehicles have sensor clusters near the mirror, potentially blocking part of the dash cam’s lens.
- Harder to adjust settings manually once mounted.
Expert Tip: Use a low-profile mount and check the placement with a live preview on the dash cam’s screen before securing it permanently.
2. Driver’s Side of the Windshield (For a Better Angle on the Road)
Want a wider-angle view of the road, including oncoming traffic? Mounting your dash cam on the driver’s side of the windshield can provide better coverage of lane changes and aggressive drivers.
✅ Pros:
- Ideal for capturing road rage incidents and unexpected lane changes.
- Offers an unobstructed view for most vehicles.
- Easier access for adjusting camera settings.
❌ Cons:
- May slightly block peripheral vision if not placed carefully.
- Certain states have restrictions on windshield-mounted devices (always check your local laws!).
Expert Tip: Keep the mount as high as possible while ensuring the lens has a clear, full view of the road.
3. Passenger’s Side of the Windshield (Better Visibility, Less Obstruction)
For those who find a driver-side mount distracting, placing your dash cam on the passenger side is a solid alternative. This position captures clear road footage while keeping your view unobstructed.
✅ Pros:
- Reduces driver distraction.
- Provides a wider frame for road footage.
- Works well in vehicles with obstructive sensor clusters on the driver’s side.
❌ Cons:
- May capture less of the driver’s perspective, making it less effective for proving fault in left-side collisions.
- Can be difficult to access for manual adjustments.
Expert Tip: If your camera has a wide-angle lens, this position will still capture plenty of road action!
4. Dashboard (Ideal for Easy Installation & Legal Compliance)
For those who prefer a no-hassle setup, placing a dash cam on the dashboard is a practical solution. It avoids legal concerns related to windshield obstruction while still capturing valuable footage.
✅ Pros:
- No risk of violating windshield obstruction laws.
- Easy to install and adjust settings.
- Perfect for rental cars and temporary use.
❌ Cons:
- More noticeable to potential thieves.
- Can pick up dashboard glare in bright sunlight.
- Doesn’t provide the same elevated viewing angle as windshield mounting.
Expert Tip: If dashboard glare is an issue, invest in a polarizing lens filter for clearer footage.
5. Rear Windshield (Best for Rear-End Collision Protection)
If you’re concerned about rear-end accidents, tailgaters, or parking lot damage, a rear windshield dash cam is a must-have.
✅ Pros:
- Captures footage of hit-and-run drivers.
- Essential for rear-end collision evidence.
- Useful for monitoring parking lot incidents.
❌ Cons:
- Won’t capture front-facing footage.
- Harder to install and wire properly.
- Rear tint may affect video quality.
Expert Tip: If you drive a rideshare or commercial vehicle, pairing a rear dash cam with a front-facing one provides comprehensive coverage.
6. Inside the Cabin (Best for Rideshare & Security Concerns)
For Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers, mounting a cabin-facing dash cam inside your vehicle is a smart move. It records both the road and interior activity, ensuring security for both drivers and passengers.
✅ Pros:
- Protects drivers from false passenger complaints.
- Deters unruly behavior from riders.
- Can still capture road footage if positioned correctly.
❌ Cons:
- Not useful for standard personal drivers.
- Requires a dual-lens dash cam for full coverage.
Expert Tip: Choose a night-vision-enabled dash cam to ensure clear footage in low-light conditions.
7. Discreet Locations (For Hidden Surveillance)
Some drivers prefer stealthy dash cam setups—tucking their camera into hidden spots like behind rear sun visors or inside the vehicle’s grille. This can be useful for monitoring suspicious activity without drawing attention.
✅ Pros:
- Ideal for fleet vehicles or undercover recording.
- Less likely to be tampered with.
- Provides discreet security surveillance.
❌ Cons:
- May result in reduced visibility or obstructed footage.
- Harder to install and maintain.
Expert Tip: If using a hidden setup, ensure the dash cam has wide dynamic range (WDR) for better image clarity in various lighting conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dash cam placement is crucial for capturing clear, usable footage in case of an accident, road incident, or even insurance fraud. While the best overall position is behind the rearview mirror, your needs may vary based on your vehicle type, legal regulations, and specific driving habits.
No matter where you mount it, always test the camera’s view before finalizing the setup. And if you’re looking for the best dash cams of 2025, check out our expert recommendations!
FAQs
1. Can I mount a dash cam on the sunroof or side windows? No, these positions don’t provide a useful field of view and may be illegal in some areas.
2. Will a rear dash cam help with parking accidents? Yes! Rear dash cams are great for capturing parking lot incidents and hit-and-runs.
3. Do dash cams need to be professionally installed? Not always. Many models come with plug-and-play setups, but hardwiring can offer a cleaner look and additional features.
4. Are there laws about dash cam placement? Yes! Some states prohibit mounting objects on windshields, so check your local regulations before installation.
5. What’s the best dash cam placement for night driving? Behind the rearview mirror with a high-quality night vision dash cam ensures clear recordings even in low-light conditions.