Yes, dashcams are legal in Missouri under state privacy and surveillance laws, provided they comply with specific recording and storage restrictions. Missouri’s wiretapping statute (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.402) permits recording in public spaces where no reasonable expectation of privacy exists, such as roadways. However, continuous recording without consent in private areas—like driveways—may violate privacy expectations. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has not imposed statewide dashcam bans but advises drivers to avoid obstructing views or recording audio without notice in multi-party conversations. Local ordinances, such as those in St. Louis County, may impose additional restrictions on commercial fleet dashcams.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Missouri
- One-Party Consent for Audio: Missouri follows a one-party consent rule (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.402), allowing audio recording if at least one participant (e.g., the driver) consents. Recording conversations without any party’s knowledge is prohibited.
- No Obstruction of View: Dashcams must not block the driver’s field of vision (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 307.170). Mounting devices on windshields or dashboards is permitted only if they do not interfere with safe operation.
- Data Retention Limits: Missouri does not mandate retention periods for dashcam footage, but the Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends deleting recordings within 30 days unless required for legal proceedings or insurance claims.
Violations of these regulations may result in civil penalties or exclusion of footage as evidence in court. Drivers should review local ordinances and insurance policies to ensure full compliance.