Yes, dashcams are legal in Switzerland under strict privacy and data protection conditions. The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) permits their use if recordings are limited to public roads, do not capture identifiable individuals beyond necessary, and are deleted within 24 hours unless evidence is required. Local cantons may impose additional restrictions, and compliance with GDPR-equivalent Swiss law (revised in 2026) is mandatory.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Switzerland
- Privacy Compliance: Recordings must not infringe on the privacy of third parties under the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP). Continuous, indiscriminate recording is prohibited.
- Data Retention: Footage must be deleted within 24 hours unless retained as evidence for a legal claim or criminal investigation, per FDPIC guidelines.
- Signage Requirements: Some cantons (e.g., Geneva, Zurich) mandate visible signage warning road users of dashcam use, aligning with local traffic ordinances.
Violations may result in fines up to CHF 10,000 or criminal liability under Article 179 bis of the Swiss Criminal Code for unauthorized data collection. Employers using dashcams for fleet monitoring must conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) under the revised FADP (effective 2026). Always verify canton-specific rules, as enforcement varies.