Yes, dashcams are legal in Mexico, but their use is governed by strict privacy and data protection laws enforced by the Instituto Nacional de Transparencia, Acceso a la Información y Protección de Datos Personales (INAI) and the Ley Federal de Protección de Datos Personales en Posesión de Particulares (LFPDPPP). Recording in public spaces is permitted if it complies with consent and proportionality principles, while audio recording requires explicit notice to avoid violating privacy rights. The 2026 amendments to the LFPDPPP introduce stricter penalties for unauthorized data processing, including dashcam footage.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Mexico
- Privacy Consent: Recording audio or video of individuals without their consent in private spaces (e.g., inside vehicles) violates the LFPDPPP. Public spaces allow recording, but identifiable individuals retain rights over their data.
- Data Storage & Retention: Dashcam footage must be stored securely and deleted within 30 days unless required for legal proceedings. Unauthorized sharing or retention risks fines up to 1.5% of annual revenue under INAI guidelines.
- Law Enforcement Use: Footage may be submitted to authorities for traffic violations or criminal investigations, but improper collection or disclosure triggers penalties under the Código Nacional de Procedimientos Penales.
Violations are adjudicated by INAI, with appeals heard by specialized federal courts. Employers installing dashcams in company vehicles must conduct a impact assessment under LFPDPPP Article 37, demonstrating necessity and minimal intrusion. Non-compliance may result in sanctions, including temporary bans on data processing.