Yes, dashcams are legal in Tennessee, provided they comply with state privacy and traffic laws. Tennessee does not explicitly ban dashcams but imposes restrictions on audio recording and placement to protect privacy rights. Local courts have upheld their use in civil cases, though improper deployment may lead to evidentiary challenges or privacy violations.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Tennessee
- Audio Recording Restrictions: Tennessee is a “two-party consent” state (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-510). Recording audio from inside the vehicle requires consent from all occupants, or the footage may be inadmissible in court. Exceptions apply for law enforcement with warrants.
- Windshield Obstruction Limits: Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s view per Tennessee’s distracted driving laws (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-199). Mounting devices must be placed outside the driver’s direct line of sight, typically below the rearview mirror or in the top corner of the windshield.
- Data Retention & Sharing: Tennessee does not mandate retention periods, but improper sharing of dashcam footage—especially on social media—may violate privacy laws. Law enforcement may request footage under subpoena, and failure to comply could result in penalties under local ordinances.
Local jurisdictions, such as Nashville’s Metro Council, have not enacted additional dashcam-specific ordinances, but broader privacy statutes (e.g., Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-18-2107) may apply to commercial fleet dashcams. Compliance with federal guidelines (e.g., FMCSA for commercial vehicles) remains critical for interstate operations.