8 Essential Tips ( Best Place to Put Dash Cam )

Introduction

Looking for the perfect spot to put your dash cam? A dash cam is your silent witness on the road, capturing every twist and turn. But mounting it in the right spot? That’s crucial. Not only does it need to capture a clear, full view, but its placement also affects safety and legality. Some locations could obstruct your view—or worse—get you fined. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the best spot, avoid common mounting pitfalls, and keep you on the right side of the law.

Best Place to Put Dash Cam

Understanding the best place to put a dash cam can help enhance your driving experience and protect you from potential accidents or disputes. With dash cams becoming more popular, it’s essential to ensure you’re following best practices when it comes to placement. The right position the dash cam can mean the difference between capturing critical footage during an incident and missing out entirely. Finding the best dash cam position ensures maximum coverage and effectiveness when it matters most.

As we dive into the essential tips for mounting your dash cam, we’ll cover key considerations, popular mounting locations, the pros and cons of each, legal and safety considerations, practical installation guides, and advanced tips to optimize your dash cam’s use. Let’s get started!

1. Key Considerations for Dash Cam Placement: Best Place to Put Dash Cam

Before you mount your dash cam, let’s think about what matters most in dash cam positioning. Here are the key considerations:

Visibility

Your dash cam should provide a wide and clear view of the road ahead. Ideally, it should capture both the road and any potential obstacles. Consider the following:

• Field of View: Look for a dash cam that offers a wide field of view. The more area it can capture, the better protected you’ll be.
• Height and Angle: Mounting height and angle play significant roles. The dash cam should be positioned at a height that aligns with your line of sight but isn’t too high that it captures the sky or too low that it misses vital details.

Angle

Is the angle adjustable for various views? A dash cam with an adjustable angle allows you to fine-tune the positioning to ensure you’re capturing the best footage possible. This flexibility is particularly helpful in scenarios where you may need to pivot the camera to capture a wider view of the road or specific incidents.

Legal Restrictions

Do local laws limit certain placements? This is critical. Different regions have various regulations regarding dash cam installation. For instance, in some areas, there are strict “windshield obstruction” laws, while in others, you might face fines for certain mounting locations. Make sure to research your local laws and compliance requirements before installation.

Power Source

Is your chosen location near a power source for easy charging? Dash cams require power to operate, so select a mounting location that allows for easy access to your vehicle’s power supply. Many modern dash cams can be hardwired directly to the vehicle’s electrical system, ensuring they turn on automatically when the car starts.

Popular Mounting Locations

Now that you know the considerations, let’s look at the most popular mounting locations for dash cams:

1. Front Windshield
2. Rear Windshield
3. Dashboard

Each option has its strengths and challenges, which we’ll unpack in the next section.

2. Pros and Cons of Each Mounting Location

Front Windshield

Pros:

Cons:

Rear Windshield

Pros:

Cons:

Dashboard

Pros:

Cons:

3. Legal and Safety Considerations

Legal compliance varies by location. In the U.S., some states have strict “windshield obstruction” laws, while in the UK, guidelines restrict the position of the dash cam to avoid interference with the driver’s view. Research your local regulations, and when in doubt, aim to place the dash cam low on the windshield or in a non-intrusive area.

Safety Tips:

• Avoid Blocking Your View: Always prioritize safety. Avoid placing the dash cam where it blocks your view or could obstruct controls like the wipers or headlights.
• Use Stable Mounts: Ensure you use stable and reliable mounts to prevent the camera from falling or obstructing controls during sudden stops.
• Position the dash cam to Avoid Glare: Place the dash cam where glare or reflections won’t impact the footage. Glare can distort recordings and make crucial details less visible.

4. Practical Guide to Installing Your Dash Cam

Here’s a step-by-step installation guide for each location:

Front Windshield

1. Secure with a Suction Cup or Adhesive: Choose either a suction cup or adhesive mount based on your needs.
2. Aim for the Center or Just Below the Rearview Mirror: This positioning typically offers the best view while ensuring compliance with local laws.
3. Route the Power Cable: Ensure the cable is neatly tucked away to avoid distractions while driving.

Rear Windshield

1. Use an Adhesive Mount: Given the temperature fluctuations in a car, an adhesive mount is often more reliable.
2. Position High on the Windshield: This helps avoid obstructions from rearview mirrors and headrests.
3. Connect the Power Source: Make sure the power source is easily accessible and that cables are neatly secured.

Dashboard

1. Mount with Adhesive or Non-Slip Dash Pad: Choose a mount that keeps the camera secure during driving.
2. Position it Near the Driver’s Side: This will allow you to capture more angles without interfering with your view.
3. Secure Cables: Ensure all wires are neatly organized and do not obstruct any controls.

Hardwiring Tips

Hardwiring can provide power directly from your car’s battery. This avoids messy cables and ensures your dash cam powers on automatically.

Weatherproofing Tips

In extreme heat or cold, a dash cam’s suction cup may fail. Adhesive mounts tend to hold up better, so consider them if you drive in harsh weather.

5. Advanced Tips for Optimizing Dash Cam Use

Want to take your dash cam experience to the next level? Here’s how:

Viewing Angle

Adjust your dash cam so it captures the full width of the road without excessive dashboard or sky. A well-adjusted viewing angle can significantly enhance the quality of your recordings.

Battery vs. Supercapacitor

Supercapacitors perform better in temperature extremes than batteries, so choose wisely depending on your climate. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, investing in a dash cam with a supercapacitor could be worthwhile.

Accessories to Consider

• Anti-Glare Covers: These can help reduce glare and reflections, ensuring clearer footage.
• Additional Mounts: Having spare mounts can give you flexibility in positioning your camera.
• External Battery Packs: For longer trips or when parked, an external battery can keep your dash cam powered without relying on the car’s battery.

6. Troubleshooting

Common Concerns:

• Legal positioning for each car type and region: Always check local laws before installing your dash cam.
• Placement tips for larger vehicles like vans or trucks: Larger vehicles may require alternative placements to ensure optimal visibility.
• Suction cup issues and how to fix them: Regularly clean both the glass and suction cup to maintain a secure hold.
• Obstructed views and ways to adjust placement: If your dash cam is blocking your view, consider repositioning it to a less obstructive area.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Suction cup falls? Clean the glass and suction cup, or try a sticky adhesive mount for better hold.
• Interference with controls? Experiment with alternative spots on the windshield to find a suitable position.

7. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Finding the best dash cam position is more than a quick install—it’s a careful consideration of safety, visibility, and the law. Choose a spot that’s safe, compliant, and secure. Start with the front windshield if your laws permit, and make adjustments as necessary.

By taking the time to research and implement these tips, you’ll not only protect yourself on the road but also ensure that your dash cam operates at its fullest potential.

Want a full checklist? Check our Essential Dash Cam Mounting Guide now to access tips, tools, and a list of common dos and don’ts!

This comprehensive guide not only helps you find the best place to put your dash cam but also empowers you with the knowledge to ensure it works effectively

8. FAQs