Dash cams have quickly become a popular tool for drivers, offering an extra layer of security, peace of mind, and protection on the road. Whether it’s capturing footage of accidents or providing evidence for insurance claims, dash cams have proven their value time and again. However, despite their increasing usage, we can still find some misconceptions surrounding these devices. Some drivers are hesitant to install dash cams due to concerns about legality, privacy, or cost, while others may be misinformed about their capabilities and difficulty of use.

In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common myths about dash cams and debunk them with facts.

Myth 1: Dash Cams Are Illegal to Use

Some drivers believe that using a dash cam is illegal, either due to privacy concerns or laws around recording others without their consent. While the legality of dash cams varies depending on the country or state, in most places, dash cams are perfectly legal. The key issue is not the use of the dash cam itself, but where it’s positioned and what it records. For example, some regions have laws about blocking the driver’s view with devices on the windshield, and others have strict guidelines around audio recording. Some countries also have privacy laws that put restrictions on how the footage can be publicized (e.g. uploading to social media) but generally accept their use for the purpose of providing evidence in an insurance claim or in court. 

Fact: The majority of countries allow the usage of dash cams. Some allow unlimited use, some added legal limitations and requirements if a driver wants to use one. As long as you follow the local laws regarding camera placement and avoid recording private conversations without consent, using a dash cam is generally legal. It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your area/state. 

Myth 2: Dash Cams Drain Your Car’s Battery

A common concern is that dash cams will drain your car’s battery, especially if you leave it running in Parking Mode when the car is off. While understandable, the fear is largely unfounded with most modern dash cams. For example, car’s battery drainage in BlackVue dash cams’ Parking Mode can be prevented in a variety of ways. For example, since the X Series models, the dash cam can monitor the car battery’s voltage to shut down at the set cutoff value. You can also purchase additional external batteries, like the Power Magic Battery Pack or the Power Magic Ultra Battery.

Fact: Most dash cams today are designed with energy efficiency in mind and feature automatic power management systems that prevent significant battery drain.

Myth 3: Dash Cams Are Only Useful for Accidents

It’s easy to think that dash cams are only helpful in the event of a collision, but they have many other valuable uses. While accident footage is certainly one of the main reasons people install dash cams, these devices can also provide protection against theft, vandalism, and insurance fraud. The aforementioned Parking Mode can also give you peace of mind when your car is parked and you’re away – a dash cam will provide evidence if there’s a hit-and-run situation.

Fact: Dash cams are versatile tools. The benefits extend far beyond just documenting accidents.

Myth 4: Dash Cams Can Record Everything with Unlimited Storage

It might seem like a dash cam can record indefinitely – and there’s some truth to it. Most dash cams use a loop recording system, where the oldest footage is overwritten once the memory card is full. While this ensures continuous recording, it doesn’t mean you have unlimited storage.

Fact: Dash cams do have limited storage based on the size of the SD card used. However, BlackVue dash cams can protect the last 50 Event files (triggered either manually or by an impact) so they won’t get overwritten by regular footage. Moreover, if you have a Cloud-connected model, the dash cam can be set to automatically upload Event files to the Cloud. You can even choose if you want to upload Event files only while in Parking Mode or also while driving. 

Myth 5: Dash Cams Are Too Expensive and Not Worth the Investment

While it’s true that premium models with advanced features can come with a higher price tag, in case of an incident the dash cam more than pays for itself. There are multiple examples of drivers who saved thousands of dollars simply by having a reliable dash cam installed in their vehicles. 

Fact: More often than not, a dash cam pays for itself, even the most expensive models. However, there’s a wide range of dash cam available on the market, from the most basic models to the high-end ones. Budget-friendly models can also capture usable footage, helping protect you from fraudulent insurance claims or providing evidence in the event of an accident. And with BlackVue’s SD card failure alerts, you can be at peace knowing that if the microSD card were to fail, you would be alerted instantly with voiced prompts so you could replace the card and avoid bad surprises. 

Conclusion

Dash cams have proven themselves to be invaluable tools for drivers, but misconceptions can sometimes cause hesitation in purchasing one. By debunking these common myths, it’s clear that dash cams are not only legal, but they also offer benefits far beyond just recording accidents. To put it simply: investing in one could give you the peace of mind and security you didn’t realize you needed on the road.