Yes, dashcams are legal in New Jersey provided they comply with state privacy statutes and vehicle recording laws. New Jersey’s wiretapping statute (N.J.S.A. 2A:156A-1) requires two-party consent for audio recording, meaning audio capture in a vehicle necessitates the consent of all occupants. Video-only recording is unrestricted, but placement must not obstruct the driver’s view per N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.1. Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, may impose additional constraints on commercial fleet dashcams.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in New Jersey
- Two-Party Consent for Audio: N.J.S.A. 2A:156A-1 mandates all parties in a vehicle must consent to audio recording; failure to obtain consent risks felony charges under state wiretapping laws. Exceptions apply only to law enforcement or emergency services.
- Video-Only Recording Permitted: Video surveillance without audio is lawful, but cameras must be mounted outside the driver’s direct line of sight per N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.1 to avoid obstructing vision.
- Commercial Fleet Restrictions: The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) enforces N.J.A.C. 13:19-1.1 et seq., requiring commercial dashcam policies to include written consent from employees and prohibiting continuous audio recording without disclosure.
Violations of these statutes may result in civil penalties or criminal charges, particularly under the 2023 amendments to N.J.S.A. 2A:156A-4, which expanded enforcement authority to the Attorney General’s Office. Municipalities like Newark and Jersey City have further imposed data retention limits for dashcam footage under local surveillance ordinances, effective 2026.