Dash cam windscreen legal position UK, where you can and cannot mount your dashcam

Dashcam placement on the windscreen is regulated in the UK under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. Mounting a dashcam in the wrong position can obstruct the driver’s field of vision, create a legal infringement, and potentially affect the admissibility of footage in a legal context. LockCar’s professionally installed dashcams are always positioned in compliance with UK regulations.

UK regulations on dashcam windscreen position

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, specifically Regulation 30, prohibit anything that obstructs the driver’s view of the road. The Highway Code advises that windscreens should be kept clean and free of obstructions. DVSA enforcement guidance indicates that a dashcam mounted in the driver’s direct field of vision constitutes an obstruction and may result in a vehicle defect notice.

The generally accepted safe mounting zone for a dashcam in the UK is behind the rear-view mirror, in the area swept by the windscreen wipers, and positioned such that it does not obstruct the driver’s forward vision. Specifically, the dashcam should be outside the driver’s primary sight lines and should not protrude into the zone cleared by the front wipers.

Some manufacturers specify a maximum size for dashcam units mounted in certain positions. For larger dashcam units, the area directly behind the rear-view mirror at the top of the windscreen provides the most visibility-neutral mounting position. LockCar engineers assess the optimal legal position for each vehicle’s specific windscreen layout during professional installation.

Prohibited mounting positions

Mounting a dashcam directly in front of the driver, at the centre of the windscreen at eye level, or in any position that the driver must look through or around to see the road ahead is a legal infringement. Mounting a dashcam on the passenger side of the windscreen is generally acceptable for the driver’s field of vision but may affect the dashcam’s capture of the area directly ahead.

Suction cup mounts that attach to the windscreen without professional hardwiring are technically legal for the mount itself but create a secondary risk: vibration and temperature cycles can cause suction cup mounts to fail, dropping the dashcam onto the dashboard or into the footwell. A dropped dashcam that interferes with pedal operation is a serious safety risk. LockCar’s professional installation uses adhesive and bracket mounts appropriate to each vehicle’s A-pillar and headlining structure.

Professional installation and legal compliance

LockCar engineers assess the correct legal mounting position for each vehicle during the installation appointment. The dashcam is positioned behind the rear-view mirror in the wiper-swept zone, with the cable routed through the headlining and A-pillar to the power connection. No cables are visible across the windscreen or dashboard. The professional installation is legally compliant, secure, and visually unobtrusive.

LockCar recommended products

Top recommendation

LockCar ONE, £199

Professionally positioned, legally compliant installation

LockCar engineers position dashcams in full compliance with UK windscreen regulations. Hardwired installation with concealed cabling and legal mounting position guaranteed.

LockCar One Plus, £259

4G dashcam, professionally mounted, GPS, immobiliser

Professional mounting plus 4G GPS and relay immobiliser. LockCar engineers ensure legal compliance on all dashcam installations.