Dash cam loop recording on UK roads, how it works and how to get the most from it

Loop recording is the standard operating mode for all dashcams, allowing the device to record continuously without filling the SD card indefinitely. Understanding how loop recording works, how clip length affects footage availability, and how LockCar’s cloud upload capability changes the loop recording picture for security-critical applications.

How loop recording works

Loop recording is a continuous recording mode in which the dashcam records to a series of short video clips, typically one, two, or three minutes each, stored sequentially on the SD card. When the SD card is full, the dashcam automatically deletes the oldest clip and records a new one in its place, creating a continuously rolling record of the most recent footage. The result is that at any given time, the SD card contains the most recent hours or days of footage, depending on card capacity and clip length.

The practical implication of loop recording is that footage older than the SD card capacity will be overwritten and lost. For a 64GB card recording at typical dashcam quality settings, the loop cycle might be eight to twelve hours of driving footage. Extended parking periods reduce the available driving footage because parking mode recording also consumes card space.

Incident protection recordings are a key feature of good dashcam systems. When the dashcam detects a significant G-force event, such as a collision or hard braking, it automatically locks the current clip to prevent it from being overwritten by the loop. Locked clips are retained on the card until manually deleted, ensuring that accident footage is preserved through subsequent driving cycles.

Cloud upload and loop recording

LockCar’s 4G-connected dashcam systems, specifically the One Plus and Duo RH Plus, upload footage to the cloud continuously alongside local SD recording. This changes the loop recording dynamic significantly. Even if a relevant event occurs and the SD card subsequently loops through the footage, the cloud copy is already preserved and accessible from the LockCar app.

Cloud upload is particularly important for theft scenarios. If a dashcam records a relay attack attempt and the thief then steals the vehicle along with the dashcam, the local SD footage is gone. Cloud-uploaded footage from the moments before theft is already preserved on the server and available to the vehicle owner and police as evidence, regardless of what happens to the physical device.

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LockCar ONE, £199

24/7 loop recording, cloud backup, relay immobiliser

Professional 24/7 dashcam with loop recording, SD storage, and cloud backup on 4G models. Relay immobiliser included. No subscription required for SD recording operation.

LockCar One Plus, £259

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Loop recording with continuous cloud upload. Footage preserved even if device is stolen. 4G GPS and relay immobiliser included.