Dash cams — small cameras mounted on car dashboards or windshields — are becoming more common on Missouri roads. They help record what happens while you drive and can be useful during accidents, police stops, or insurance claims.
But before you install one, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations about dash cams in Missouri. So, is it legal to use a dash cam in Missouri? What does the law say about recording others, especially police or passengers? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Are Dash Cams Legal in Missouri?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Missouri. There is no state law that bans drivers from using dash cameras in their vehicles. In fact, many drivers use them for safety, to record traffic incidents, or to protect themselves during disputes.
However, how you use the dash cam matters — especially when it comes to placement, privacy, and sound recording.
Rules About Where You Can Place a Dash Cam
Even though dash cams are allowed, you must place them in a way that does not block your view of the road. Obstructing your windshield or mirrors with any device — including cameras, phone mounts, or GPS — can lead to a ticket for unsafe driving conditions.
To stay within the law:
Mount your dash cam behind the rearview mirror, or
Attach it low on the passenger side of the windshield, where it doesn’t block your vision
Always make sure the camera doesn’t interfere with your view of the road or your ability to drive safely.
Recording Audio in Missouri – Is It Legal?
Missouri is a one-party consent state when it comes to recording conversations. This means only one person in the conversation needs to agree to the recording. So, if you’re in the car and part of the conversation, you can legally record the audio — even if the other person doesn’t know.
This applies to:
Conversations with passengers
Interactions during police traffic stops
Conversations in your own car
But be careful — if your dash cam records audio of people who are not aware of the recording and you’re not part of the conversation, that could become a privacy issue.
Can You Record the Police in Missouri?
Yes, you can legally record the police in Missouri, including traffic stops — as long as:
You are not interfering with their duties
You are in a public place or inside your own vehicle
You do not threaten or distract the officer
Dash cam footage during a police stop is often used as evidence and is protected under your constitutional rights, especially the First Amendment.
However, try to stay calm and respectful while recording. If asked, you don’t have to stop recording unless a court order says so.
Can Dash Cam Footage Be Used in Court?
Yes, dash cam footage can be used in Missouri courts. It can serve as evidence in cases involving:
Car accidents
Hit and run incidents
Insurance claims
Disputes with police
Theft or vandalism
If the footage is clear and relevant, it can support your case and help you prove what really happened.
Can Employers Use Dash Cams in Company Vehicles?
Yes, businesses can install dash cams in company vehicles — especially for safety or tracking purposes. However, they must inform employees if the dash cam records inside the cabin or captures audio. Secret recordings of employees could violate privacy laws.
Dash cams are legal and useful in Missouri, but you must follow rules related to placement, audio recording, and privacy. Always make sure your dash cam doesn’t block your view while driving, and remember Missouri’s one-party consent law when recording sound.
Using a dash cam responsibly can protect you during accidents, support your insurance claims, and give you peace of mind on the road. Just make sure you use it the right way.
