Yes, Dashcams are legal in North Dakota under state privacy and surveillance laws, provided they comply with recording restrictions and do not violate wiretapping statutes. The North Dakota Century Code does not explicitly prohibit dashcam use, but recordings must not capture audio without consent in private spaces. Local law enforcement agencies, including the North Dakota Highway Patrol, have not issued formal bans, though 2026 legislative proposals may introduce clearer guidelines on data retention and third-party sharing.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in North Dakota
- One-Party Consent for Audio: North Dakota is a one-party consent state (N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-15-04), meaning dashcams may record audio only if at least one party (e.g., the driver) consents. Recording conversations in private areas without consent is illegal.
- No Eavesdropping in Private Zones: Capturing audio or video in bathrooms, changing rooms, or residential driveways may violate privacy expectations under N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-15-02, risking civil liability or criminal charges.
- Data Retention and Sharing: While no state statute governs dashcam footage retention, the North Dakota Attorney General’s 2025 advisory suggests limiting storage to 30 days unless required for legal proceedings. Sharing footage with third parties (e.g., insurers) may trigger consumer protection scrutiny under N.D. Admin. Code § 91-05-03-05.