Yes, dashcams are legal in New Hampshire under RSA 270-A:2, provided they do not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with vehicle operation. The state’s privacy laws align with federal guidelines, allowing recording in public spaces but prohibiting continuous audio capture without consent under RSA 570-A:2. Local courts, including the Hillsborough County Superior Court, have upheld dashcam footage as admissible evidence in traffic disputes, though the 2026 amendments to RSA 270-A:17 now require clear signage if audio recording is enabled.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in New Hampshire
- No obstruction rule: Dashcams must not block the driver’s forward or peripheral vision (RSA 270-A:2). Mounts must be placed outside the airbag deployment zone and below the AS-1 line on windshields.
- Audio recording limits: RSA 570-A:2 mandates two-party consent for audio capture. Continuous recording without explicit notice violates state wiretapping laws, with penalties up to $1,000 per violation.
- Data retention & sharing: Footage may be retained for up to 30 days unless subpoenaed (RSA 270-A:17). Unauthorized sharing of recordings—even with law enforcement—triggers liability under RSA 359-C:3’s consumer protection provisions.