Yes, dashcams are legal in Colombia, but their use is subject to strict privacy and data protection regulations under the 2022 Personal Data Protection Law (Law 2318) and the 2012 Telecommunications Law (Decree 1078). Recording in public spaces is permitted if it complies with constitutional rights to privacy and evidence admissibility in judicial proceedings. The Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) enforces compliance, while the Ministry of Transport regulates vehicle-mounted devices under traffic safety norms.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Colombia
- Privacy Constraints: Recording audio or video of individuals without consent violates Article 15 of the Constitution and Law 2318, unless the data is anonymized or justified for legal evidence. The SIC has fined entities for unauthorized surveillance, including dashcam misuse.
- Data Storage Limits: Footage must be stored securely for no longer than necessary (typically 30 days) unless required for legal disputes. Cloud storage providers must comply with Colombia’s data localization requirements under Decree 2364 of 2012.
- Traffic Enforcement: Dashcams may not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with vehicle safety systems. The National Traffic Code (Law 769 of 2002) prohibits devices that distract drivers or violate traffic signal recognition systems.