Yes, dashcams are legal in Italy under strict privacy and data protection rules. Their use is permitted if recordings do not infringe GDPR and Italian privacy laws, particularly when capturing public spaces. The Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali (GDPR authority) enforces compliance, with 2026 updates tightening restrictions on continuous recording and third-party sharing.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Italy
- GDPR Compliance: Dashcam footage must not process personal data without explicit consent unless strictly necessary for legal defense. The Garante has clarified that incidental recording of pedestrians or vehicles in public areas may be permissible if anonymized or minimized.
- Continuous Recording Bans: Permanent or excessive recording is prohibited. The Garante’s 2024 guidelines specify that dashcams should be activated only during incidents or for short, justified periods to avoid systematic surveillance.
- Data Storage Limits: Recorded data must be stored securely and deleted within 30 days unless required for legal proceedings. Unauthorized sharing or retention beyond this period violates Italian privacy laws and may incur fines up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover under GDPR.