Yes, dashcams are legal in Belgium under strict privacy and data protection conditions. The Belgian Data Protection Authority (APD/GBA) permits their use if recordings are limited to public roads, do not infringe on others’ privacy, and are not shared publicly without consent. Continuous recording is discouraged; footage must be deleted promptly unless used for legal evidence.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Belgium
- Privacy Compliance: Dashcams must not record audio or video inside private properties or through windows. The APD/GBA emphasizes proportionality—recordings should only capture what is necessary for traffic incidents.
- Data Storage Limits: Footage must be stored securely and deleted within 24 hours unless retained for legal proceedings. Unauthorized sharing (e.g., on social media) violates GDPR and Belgian privacy laws.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Pending EU AI Act adaptations, Belgium may require dashcams to disable recording in “privacy-sensitive zones” (e.g., near schools or hospitals) to align with emerging EU data sovereignty rules.
Violations risk fines up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover under GDPR, with additional penalties for defamatory or misleading footage dissemination. Insurers may reject claims if dashcam evidence is obtained illegally.